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

Charlevoix Chamber Business After Hours: The Ugly Sweater Party AND Fill the Dock Box With Irish Boat Shop!

December 11th


We hope to see you TONIGHT!

Bust out your ugly sweater for Business After Hours: The Ugly Sweater Party at Charlevoix Yacht, Club delicious food from Bridge Street Tap Room and a bring a canned good to fill the dock box with Irish Boat Shop, Inc.

Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra presents: Messiah by Candlelight

December 12th & 13th


Tis the season with the cherished holiday tradition Messiah by Candlelight featuring the GLCO Chorus and guest soloists.


The concert will also feature Schubert’s Magnificat and Mozart’s Sleigh-Ride to celebrate the spirit and joy of the holiday season.


glcorchestra.org

Merry Mingle and Food Drive

December 13th


Please join us at Irish Boat Shop, 13000 Stover Rd, Charlevoix on Friday, December 13th from 4 to 6:30PM for our Merry Mingle. We will be serving refreshments and snacks!


Please bring a non-perishable food donation for The Manna Food Project and help us fill a Boston Whaler! Food donations can be brought in, during regular business hours, now until Friday, December 13th.  Each individual that donates a food item will be entered to win a Boston Whaler gift bag!


irishboatshop.com

Real Estate One Holiday Open House

December 13th


Please join us for a Holiday Open House on December 13th from 4pm-7pm for hors d'oeuvres, hot cocoa bar, coffee, and cookies!


Cast your vote for the best door decoration!


charlevoixreo.com

St Mary School Cookie Walk

December 14th & 15th


Let St. Mary School do your Christmas cookie baking for you! We will be selling your classic favorites and a variety of new holiday cookies. All proceeds will help support St. Mary School. We hope to see you there, thank you!


Saturday, Dec 14th4:45-5:30pm

Sunday, Dec 15th 8:45-9:30am

Sunday, Dec 15th 10:45-11:30am

St. Mary Parish Center

Quart Bag $10 Gallon Bag $15


stmaryschoolcharlevoix.com

The Polar Express-Free Community Movie

December 14th


Join us for a free showing of THE POLAR EXPRESS Saturday December 14 at 10:30am.


Happy Holidays from The Currier Family!

Please bring a toy for our TOYS FOR TOT bin or a canned/dry good for THE RAYDER DEN.


Doors open at 10:00am. Concessions available for purchase. We can't wait to see you at the movies


charlevoixcinema.com

Santa's Workshop Featuring The Grinch

December 14th & 15th


Santa's Coming! And he's bringing the GRINCH!


It’s time to build and craft with Santa in his Workshop at Castle Farms! Our Santa’s Workshop sessions will be held on Saturday and Sunday, December 14 and 15, 2024 at pre-scheduled times throughout the day. Participate in an age-appropriate craft (chosen at time of online registration), enjoy hot cocoa and a treat. Chat with Santa himself and get a special gift. Professional photos with Santa AND THE GRINCH are also included and will be available for download after the event!


Ticket Cost: $30 per child

Santa Sessions Available: 9am, 10:30am, 12pm, & 2pm each day

Limit of 25 children per session.


Tickets must be purchased by 11:59 PM EST on December 13, 2024. Each child ticket includes 2 adults. You may purchase extra adult tickets for $5 each.


There will not be a separate, large holiday display in the Knight’s Castle this season. The event will take place in one room with festive décor for families to enjoy.

Photos Courtesy of Darrell Christie Photography


castlefarms.com

Holiday Concert: Petoskey Madrigal Singers

December 17th


Join us for a special holiday concert with the Petoskey High School Madrigal Singers! This highly sought after group will be singing holiday crowd favorites in costume. Come early and shop at our Youth Craft Market! Our youth makers, creators, and artisans will be selling their handmade goodies from 5-6:15pm. No registration required.  


charlevoixlibrary.org

Holidays at the Castle! Experience a Live Nativity Scene

December 18th


Live Nativity Scene: Join us on December 4th and December 18th, from 5 PM to 7 PM, in the enchanting Queen’s Courtyard. Watch as the story of the first Christmas comes to life amidst the beautiful castle setting, featuring live animals provided by Hungry Ducks. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to come and share in the spirit of the holidays. Don’t miss this unique and memorable holiday experience! 



castlefarms.com

Game Day Bloody Mary Bar at Gypsy Distillery

December 22nd


Gypsy Distillery's famous Bloody Mary Bar is back by popular demand!


Got the family together for the holidays? Skip brunch and head in to build an ultimate bloody with your toppings of choice! It's a whole meal! Not a bloody fan? We've got all the fixings for a great mimosa, too!

Enjoy the game on our BRAND NEW, massive flat screen TV - There's not a bad seat in the house!


Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just here for the fun and drinks, we’ve got the perfect atmosphere for everyone. It's a win-win!


gypsydistillery.com

Candle Making Class at VUE

December 22nd


Join us for a fun candle making class where you can scent & create your own candle, then adorn the glass holder with dried dried flowers, all while enjoying the company of friends!


All supplies, instructions, and a happy hour drink (wine, mocktail, or soft drink) are included. $35 per person; please click the link below for tickets (seats are limited). Cheers!


vuecharlevoix.com

Charlevoix Elks Club #2856 Community Blood Drive

December 23rd


Give the gift of blood this winter during the season of giving!


The Charlevoix Elks Club #2856 will be hosting a blood drive on December 23rd in the community room.


Register HERE today!


Dueling Pianos at Gypsy Distillery

December 26th

EVENT INFORMATION

2nd Annual NYE Party at Marek's Harbor Grill

December 31st

EVENT INFORMATION


Relaxed Performance: Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny

January 18th

EVENT INFORMATION

Frostbite Trail: Comfort Food

January 25th

EVENT INFORMATION

Blue Cross Blue Shield Promotes Healthy Holidays


Whether its physical or mental health, Blue Cross Blue Shield has resources to help you stay healthy during the holidays.


No one wants to get sick ahead of some fun time off from work and school, especially around the holidays. But since the holidays overlap with flu season, the possibility is always there. And while the holiday season can bring us joy as we gather with family and friends to share meals, make memories and celebrate the end of the year, the responsibilities of planning and preparing to keep traditions alive can bring new sources of stress that can threaten our everyday calm.


Luckily there are preventative measures you can take while traveling to lower your odds of getting sick, and there are healthy coping strategies you can engage in during the stressful times of the holidays. Blue Cross Blue Shield is here to prepare you for a healthy holiday season.


mibluedaily.com

Archival Art & Photo Printing with Images by Morris



Archival art/photo printing using Giclee inks is once again available in downtown Charlevoix. Images by Morris in collaboration with Aartvark Gallery welcomes you to bring us your treasured photographs taken on your phone, drone, DSLR or mirrorless camera to be printed on our new printer. We are able to print images up to 24” on the short side on site at 413 Bridge Street. Larger images are available as custom orders.

Open 11:00AM to 4:00PM Monday - Saturday.

Gerry, Colin and I look forward to meeting with you to help share some memories with family and friends for the holidays.



Imagesbymorris

Pet of The Week-Pallo!



Hello! My name is Pallo, pronounced PAH-Low, and I am quite pleased to make your acquaintance!


I love people, but I may be stand-offish at first. I only really know how to sit, but I'm great on walks (which I love) and I will sit at the door and wait for you. I'm not much for playing ball, but I’ll let you pet me until your heart’s content and will lean in to get all the love you can give.


 I don't get along with other dogs, and I'd like to have all the attention for myself. Cats intrigue me, but I haven't really had a chance to be one-on-one with any.


I do pull a tiny bit on my leash, but with a little patience I promise I'll be a very good boy on a walk. Give me a chance and I’m sure I’ll make you proud!


charlevoixhumane.org

Munson Embarks on OMH Regional Hospital Transformation Project in Gaylord


Investing $33.6 million, providing a higher level of inpatient care and specialty services for the region


Munson Healthcare is proud to announce a significant expansion and renovation project at Otsego Memorial Hospital (OMH), marking a pivotal step towards its designation as a regional hospital. This transformation initiative represents a $33.6 million investment aimed at enhancing inpatient capabilities and expanding specialty services for the community and beyond.


As OMH transitions to a regional hospital, this milestone underscores Munson Healthcare's commitment to enhancing patient care quality and experience. The project, slated to span over two years, will commence this winter and will encompass comprehensive updates to both the birthing center and acute care facilities. Some of the details of the expansion include the following elements:

  • The Birthing Center at OMH will see significant upgrades, including an increase in Labor, Delivery, Recovery, Postpartum rooms from four to seven, the addition of two to three triage rooms, and the introduction of an antepartum room.
  • The center will also feature water birth capabilities and a dedicated C-section surgical suite with a recovery room.
  • Meanwhile, the hospital inpatient departments will see its ICU beds grow from five to ten, and inpatient beds will be adjusted to include five private rooms and four private isolation rooms, along with dedicated nursing stations.


"This transformational project marks a significant milestone for Munson Healthcare and the communities we serve," said Kirsten Korth-White, Munson Healthcare East Region President. "By expanding our facilities and enhancing our services, we are not only meeting the current healthcare needs of our region but also preparing for the future."


The renovation efforts are part of Munson Healthcare's broader Regional Care Transformation Plan, aimed at optimizing resources and ensuring exceptional patient experiences throughout the east region, extending from the Eastern Upper Peninsula to Grayling and beyond. In August 2024, Munson Healthcare announced an additional $15 million investment in an Ambulatory Surgery Center in Gaylord, which will bring a total investment to the Gaylord and surrounding communities of over $48 million in total. 


munsonhealthcare.org

CHRISTMAS is TWO WEEKS AWAY!!!


Wineguys Restaurant Group makes holiday shopping simple with ONE CARD and FOUR RESTAURANTS. BONU$ GIFT CARD DEAL: Receive a FREE $20 GIFT certificate for every $100 gift card purchase. Use at all FOUR Wineguys restaurants, including Jax Northside, Palette Bistro, City Park Grill and Roast & Toast. Perfect for corporate gifts, Mom and Dad, and your special someone. Share the holiday spirit and all things Wineguys. Gift cards are valid for food, beverages and merchandise. BUY ONLINE or call 231.437.6400. Offer valid thru 12/24/24.

Get your Charlevoix Area Humane Society "Big Ticket Raffle Ticket" today!


Win round trip air for two, luxury accommodations for 6 night in Hawaii, or $10,000.00! This year, second place is $1,000.00 and third is $500.00!


Tickets are $50, and less than 1000 are sold. You can stop in at the shelter 614 Beardsley St, or The HomeAgain Upscale Resale store 118 Water Street to pick up yours. or you call the shelter and order yours over the phone, you can asl click here at www.charlevoixhumane.org and get yours on line.


Drawing is Friday December 27th 4:00pm at the Shelter.

Daily Lunch Specials at The Happy Troll


Dine in daily at the Happy Troll from 11am to 4pm for these lunch specials.


Monday – Three Beef Sliders; pair it with a pint of Horny Monk

Tuesday – Three Tacos with chicken or ground beef (rotates weekly); pair it with $2 off a drawbridge margarita

Wednesday – Prince Spaghetti Day with a dinner roll and butter; pair it with $2 off a glass of Happy House Wine

Thursday – Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup; pair it with $2 off a pint of Locals Light

Friday – Detroit Style Coney Dogs with Original Detroit Coney Sauce; pair it with $2 off a pint of Cranium Crush

Saturday – Chef Eric’s Choice, follow the Happy Troll Facebook Page to see what it will be!


thehappytroll.com

Shop the Charlevoix Circle Market Through Dec. 28th!


CCA’s annual Holiday mARkeT, a festive showcase & sale of unique, locally crafted gifts and artisanal treasures. We invite the community to experience the magic of handcrafted holiday shopping!


With contributions from dozens of local makers, jewelers, and artists, there’s something for everyone—perfect for gift-giving or treating yourself. Market is open Monday-Friday 11am-4pm & Saturdays 11am-3pm. Closed Dec. 24 & 25. 


charlevoixcircle.org

Challenge Mountain is CELEBRATING 40 YEARS of empowering children, youth and adults with disabilities through adaptive recreation


HELP US UNLOCK a $10,000 MATCH toward our $40,000 Goal!!! We’re asking for fellow Chamber member support to make this milestone even more impactful. Thanks to Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf, all year-end gifts will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000—doubling your impact and helping us work toward our $40,000 goal to celebrate 40 years of changing lives. Your support will unlock the $10,000 match and ensure we can continue bringing adaptive recreation to even more individuals in the years ahead. DONATE TODAY | Learn more about Challenge Mountain at challengemtn.org.

GREAT LAKES CENTER FOR THE ARTS PRESENTS ITS FIRST SENSORY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE


On January 18, 2025, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, in partnership with Great Start Collaborative, welcomes Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia as they present a live, puppet-based performance of Margaret Wise Brown's children’s classics “Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny.” 

 

Great Lakes Center for the Arts proudly offers the community two opportunities to experience this thoughtfully designed show at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Afternoon audience members can enjoy an especially welcoming performance in a comfortable setting for the sensory-sensitive community.

 

“This event embodies what we are trying to achieve through our customer-service-driven mission to provide exceptional and impactful performing arts opportunities for each and every person in Northern Michigan,” said Rachel Sytsma-Reed, Director of Education and Community Engagement. “All of us at the Center are committed to providing barrier-free programming. We want to serve people. All people. Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the power of the performing arts.”

 

With a need and desire to provide programming for all community members, the Center is partnering with Great Start Collaborative to offer a performing arts experience tailored to those who thrive in relaxed theater environments. 

 

“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Center to bring this sensory-friendly performance to the community,” shared Savanah Cool, Director of Great Start Collaborative & Family Coalition. “Through this heartfelt collaboration, we are eager for this vision to come to life for young learners and their families.”

 

Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s “Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny” performance will celebrate the comfort of bedtime rituals and the reassurances of a mother’s love and feature the gentle rabbit characters amidst art, backdrops, and props inspired by the picture book illustrations. Ideal for children in Pre-K through 3rd Grade and their families, these two day-time shows welcome all community members, with the afternoon event geared toward those who require extra sensory care.

 

As the Center’s first-ever sensory-friendly event, this relaxed live performance at 2 p.m. will create a welcoming and judgment-free environment where attendees can be themselves and feel comfortable in a public setting. This specially designed performance is open to all, regardless of sensitivity, but differs from other previously presented family events.

 

The relaxed performance does not include flashing or strobe lights, sudden loud noises, or abrupt changes in volume, and it does not deviate from the original storybooks’ content or dialogue, offering calm familiarity. The house lights will remain dimly lit throughout the “non-shushing” performance, which welcomes comments and audience enthusiasm. Attendees may come and go from the theater as needed, with a performance livestream available in the lobby. 

 

“In keeping with the Center's goals to serve the entire community, we welcome everyone at both presentations," added Sytsma-Reed. “If you choose to come to the 2 p.m. show, anticipate a different experience - a beautiful, respectful, and integrative experience—and if you or someone you love appreciates the opportunity to experience a sensory-friendly show, please let us know so we can continue to help meet the needs of our community in this way.”

 

To ensure your needs are met and you have the best experience possible, contact the Center at 231.439.2610 or info@greatlakescfa.org, as we are happy to make accommodations.

 

Tickets for “Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny” are free for children 3 and under, $10 for students, and $25 to $35 for adults, depending on seating section. This event also offers a Pay What You Can rate for select sections with a minimum of $5. Visit GreatLakesCFA.org to purchase tickets, or call the Box Office at 231.439.2610.

Ooo la la! Celebrate the season with Jax's FRENCH WINE DINNER.


Feast on traditional French flavors: Apple Prosciutto Cranberry Brie Crostini, Pan Seared Scallops, Coq Au Vin, Grilled Lamb Chops and Fresh Berry Crisp Turnover. Tom Tomalka of AHD Vintners will guide guests through perfectly paired french wines. $65/person (plus tax & gratuity). Reservations required: CLICK or call 231.437.6400. For more info about Wineguys Restaurant Group pairing dinners, visit wineguysgroup.com/calendar

You can wish everyone a Merry Christmas and also support your local Food Pantry!


Send a Christmas Greeting from your family or business to readers of the Weekly Choice, Charlevoix County News, or Michigan MoneySaver all over Northern Michigan.


We are running greeting ads in the Christmas week paper and donating $25 from each $50 greeting ad


Contact Office@CharlevoixCountyNews.com for more information!

Northwest Michigan Employers Secure Over $1.3 Million to Train and Upskill 695 Employees


Northwest Michigan employers are celebrating a transformative boost for workforce development, with over $1.3 million awarded through the first round of 2025 Going PRO Talent Fund grants. This funding will provide critical training opportunities for 695 employees, including on-the-job and classroom training for 178 apprentices across the region.


The grants will benefit a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, construction, automotive, healthcare, energy, hospitality, education, and nonprofits. These investments underscore the commitment of local businesses to workforce development and innovation.


“During this first round of 2025, our team collaborated with several new employers eager to upskill their workforce,” said Rob Dickinson, Regional Director of Business Services at Northwest Michigan Works!. “While $1.3 million has been awarded to our region, local companies are matching that with an additional $8 million investment in their employees. This dedication is inspiring. 


The Going PRO Talent Fund has truly transformed lives—empowering individuals and strengthening businesses across our region. We’re thrilled to continue helping employers leverage this incredible program.”


In this cycle, 42 employers in northwest Michigan received funding, with awards averaging $31,337. Individual grants ranged from under $2,000 to over $200,000, showcasing the program’s flexibility to meet diverse business needs.


Statewide, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has distributed $42.7 million in Going PRO Talent Fund grants to 697 businesses. The funding will train 8,089 new hires and enhance the skills of 14,692 current employees beginning in January 2025.


About the Going PRO Talent Fund


The Going PRO Talent Fund supports Michigan businesses in developing the highly skilled talent needed for success. Through strategic investments in training, the program bridges skill gaps, enhances employee retention, and fosters business growth.


For more information on workforce development initiatives and opportunities, contact your Northwest Michigan Works! Business Services Representative by visiting nwm.org/businessservices.

Have a business or member success story? We want to hear it! Hitting a growth landmark, meeting a personal or financial business goal, adding to your team, being awarded industry certifications or recognition's… we want to share that accomplishment!

Membership in the Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce is open to all businesses, organizations and individuals. It is a policy of the Charlevoix Chamber that membership does not constitute political or issue endorsement.


Images used are provided by the business; business agrees to ownership and rights to use photos in promotions.

The easiest way to find jobs in the Charlevoix Area! Click here or read below for a list of jobs with our chamber members.

Advisacare

Administrative Assistant


Bartlett's Home Interiors

Retail Sales Associate


Big Brothers Big Sisters

Mentoring Specialist for Charlevoix & Emmet Counties


Biggby Coffee Charlevoix

Barista


Charlevoix Auto

Service Advisor


Charlevoix County

Deputy Probate and Juvenile Register



Charlevoix County Commission on Aging

Boyne Area Senior Center Cook

CNA/Homemaker

Health Care Services Coordinator


Charlevoix Public Library

Youth Services Library Assistant



Citizens National Bank

Universal Banker-Petoskey

Universal Banking Manager


DCL

General Labor

Purchasing Assistant



Goodwill Northern Michigan

Retail Team Lead

Assistant Store Manager

Store Associate


Harbor Industries

Assembler I

Assembler I (Part-Time)

Assembler I (Seasonal)

Manufacturing Engineer

Maintenance


Horizon Bank

Universal Banker


Irish Boat Shop

Marine Technician


North Central Michigan College

Grants Manager


Northwest Michigan Works

Chief Financial Officer


Rogers Dermatology

Receptionist


The Happy Troll Deli & Pub

Servers

Cooks

Dishwasher


Sail Charlevoix

Program Director


Smoke On The Water

Sous Chef/Line Cook


Walloon Lake Association

Director of Finance


Walstrom Marine

Marine Technician


Wineguys Restaurant Group

Servers-Jax Northside

Hosts

Bartenders-Jax Northside

Back of House

Barista-Roast & Toast

Line Cook- Roast & Toast

Restaurant Manager


For more information on these openings view our Jobs page by clicking the link below! Is your business hiring? Send us the position information and we will post it!

business.charlevoix.org/jobs

Please visit the below resources for other job opportunities in our area.


mynorth.com 

michiganworks.org

networksnorthwest.org 

petoskeynews.com

thrive45.org/jobs 

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