www.MackinawChamber.com

The voice of the Greater Mackinaw City Business Community Since 1955

November 2022

Hello Kelly,

Each year, November 1st marks a monumental day in Mackinaw City history as we celebrate the "birthday" of the Mackinac Bridge. The birthday of the Mighty Mac is not all that we have been celebrating in Mackinaw City lately. In case you missed it, we are sharing all the celebratory news here!

Best,

Amy Millard

Executive Director

www.mackinawchamber.com

231-436-5574



2022 Community Excellence Award Recipients

We were thrilled to present four recipients with the 2022 Community Excellence Awards on the evening of Friday, October 28th at our annual event which was held at the Mackinaw Reception and Conference Center.

The evening began with a cocktail hour including complimentary popcorn from Alice's Kandy & Korn along with live musical entertainment by Billy Jewell, sponsored by Odawa Casino. Once all of the guests arrived, Amy Millard, Executive Director of the Greater Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce, shared a welcome message and Sister Chris Herald of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church gave the invocation. Guests enjoyed hors d' oeuvres stations created by Audie's Restaurant that they were able to roam through while continuing to mix and mingle. 

The awards presented were as follows;

Business of the Year, presented to Mama Mia's Pizza & FREE Mackinaw Bridge Museum, Sponsored by Pinecrest Village at Mackinaw

Organization of the year, presented to the Mackinaw City Area Arts Council, Sponsored by Citizens National Bank

Citizen of the Year, presented to Ann Fouty, Sponsored by Enbridge

Hospitality Leadership Award, presented to Angie Morthland, Sponsored by Mama Mia's Pizza & Mackinaw Bridge Museum

It was an honor to recognize these deserving individuals, businesses, and organizations in our community that contribute so much to making Mackinaw a better place to live, work, and visit!

2022 CA$H Raffle Winners

The evening of our annual Community Excellence Awards would not have been complete without drawing the lucky raffle ticket holders from the CA$H Raffle!

The winners of the CA$H Raffle are as follows;

• $200 Early Bird Drawing - Angie Morthland
• FREE 2023 CA$H Raffle Ticket - Ron and Bridget Parker
• $500 Cash Prize - Scott and Sandy Johnson
• $1,500 Cash Prize - Jennifer Dexel
• $4,000 Cash Prize - Scott and Sandy Beard

Scarecrow Stroll Contest Winner Announcement

The "Scarecrow Stroll" Contest was a great success! We had nearly 300 registered voters and over 35 participating scarecrows. Thanks to all who participated in helping to spruce up our downtown for fall.

The award for the "Best Scarecrow" of 2022, with bragging rights until next year, goes to B.C. Pizza of Mackinaw City - Congratulations to the owners, Brett & Emily L., and their hardworking staff! 

Stacey W. was the winner drawn from the participating voters. Stacey received some nice gift certificates from our area businesses - Congratulations!

MDOT Mackinaw City I75/US23 Construction Update

The US-23 and I-75 repair and rebuilding project is officially complete, or at least the US-23 on-ramp is now open as MDOT finishes up a few details to complete the summer-long construction project by November 11, 2022.

Christmas in the City, A Mackinaw City Tradition

This December will be filled with holiday traditions for the entire family to enjoy! Information about each of these events will be coming to you soon so watch your inbox for all the details of times, activities, and how you can participate whether you are a business, resident, or planning a visit to Mackinaw City this December! You won't want to miss the festivities!

Welcome to the following new members!

Somewhere In Time Cottage

Join us in welcoming the Somewhere In Time Cottage to the Greater Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce.  

Terry & Jennifer Davis, owners of the Lamplighter Motel, Carriage Haus Studio, Huron Breeze Cottage, and Tiffany's Premier Studio will soon be offering guests yet another family-friendly place to stay while visiting Mackinaw City at the Somewhere in Time Cottage. Watch for information on exact opening dates coming in late spring of 2023!

We are thrilled to share their warm hospitality with all of you! Congratulations on your newest vacation property rental and welcome!

Nonna Lisa's Italian Ristorante

Nonna Lisa's Italian Restaurant is the place to go in Mackinaw City for traditional Italian Cuisine...where true Italians reminisce of their grandmother's kitchens, where authentic recipes have been handed down for generations.

At Nonna Lisa's, we specialize in pasta & wood-fired pizza. We pride ourselves on letting you create a specialty that fits your taste from our fresh ingredients. You will find the perfect compliment to your meal on our wine list. All this combined with attentive, friendly service and a northern atmosphere makes Nonna Lisa's the perfect spot in Mackinaw City for family, social & group dining.

Welcome, Nonna Lisa's!

231-436-7901

312 S. Huron St., Mackinaw City

nonnalisa.com

The Hook Lakeside Grill

Join us in welcoming The Hook Lakeside Grill, Mackinaw City's Only Lakeside Dining, to the Greater Mackinaw City. (open seasonally)

Our two-story balcony dining room opens to the fresh, clean air of Lake Huron & the Mackinaw City Harbor. Our bars offer up 34 beers & microbrews on tap, fun hand-made cocktails, and wine & beer tastings. Our menu includes fresh whitefish, perch, walleye, prime rib, our delicious beef & brisket burgers, sandwiches, baskets, and fresh salads.

201 S. Huron Ave., Mackinaw City

231-436-6124

hookmackinaw.com

The Lighthouse Restaurant

We welcome The Lighthouse Restaurant to the Greater Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce as a recent new member serving dinner from 4-10 pm daily.

At the Lighthouse Restaurant in Mackinaw City, we pride ourselves on bringing you delicious food using only the freshest ingredients. Our specialties are fresh whitefish and seafood hand-picked daily from local fisheries, and we are known for our fresh lobster directly from the tank.

618 S. Huron Ave., Mackinaw City

231-436-5191

lighthousemackinaw.com

Toast A Go-Go

We are happy to have Toast A Go-Go join the Greater Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce as a recent new member. (open seasonally)

If you are looking for breakfast all day, then Toast A Go-Go is your casual breakfast go-to restaurant with Mackinaw City's largest buffet serving all of your favorite breakfast items. You will find salads, sandwiches, and entrees too. 

412 S. Huron Ave., Mackinaw City

231-436-5195

toastagogo.com

Thank you to the following members, organizations, and individuals for recently renewing your membership or joining the Chamber of Commerce in October!

*We will continue to print renewals as they come in.

If you are interested in learning more about joining businesses like these and making a difference in the Greater Mackinaw business community, contact Amy Millard at 231-436-5574 or email for more information.

This is your place to share upcoming news and information about your business, milestones, successes, and accomplishments. Please notify the Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce office of any updates that you would like us to include in the next bi-weekly e-newsletter.

The deadline to submit information is the 25th of the month prior to include information in the monthly e-news, or the 10th of the month to submit information for the mid-month e-news.

Or consider one of the following for even greater visibility:

• An exclusive email for your business - $100
• Display ad with a web link at the top of this newsletter - $50

Contact Amy for more details.

New Street Trees in Mackinaw City

Released 10.20.2022

15 new maple trees have been planted in street green space across Mackinaw City.

The effort was a collaborative success, bringing together residents of Mackinaw City, the Village of Mackinaw City Department of Public Works, Consumers Energy, and the Michigan Forestry and Park Association (MFPA).

The tree plantings were funded through the Consumers Energy Community Street & Boulevard Tree Planting Program and administered by the MFPA. The Village had solicited requests for tree locations from the public in late June. These requests, and other locations strategically picked by public works staff, were approved by the Village Tree Board in early July. The Village of Mackinaw City was awarded the maximum grant of 15 street trees in late July. read more here

Ribbon Cutting at Enbridge Straits Maritime Operation Center 

The Greater Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce and St. Ignace Chamber of Commerce will be present at the ribbon cutting planned for 9:00 am on Thursday, November 10, 2022, for Enbridge Straits Maritime Operation Center (ESMOC) located at N. 895 Martin Lake Rd. in St. Ignace, MI. 

The ESMOC was put into operation in 2020 to prevent an anchor strike. Operating 24/7 - 365 days a year, ESMOC uses sophisticated technology to help monitor and protect the ports and waterways. It's the next generation of safety. 

You are welcome to join us and check out this new building utilizing the newest technology.

Giving Tuesday NE MI Announcement Straits Area Community Foundation

This year, Giving Tuesday is on November 29. Locally, the Straits Area Community Foundation (SACF), in partnership with its lead foundation, Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan, is helping to raise awareness and support for local nonprofits through the Giving Tuesday Northeast Michigan event.

“We look forward to Giving Tuesday every year. With its camaraderie, light-heartedness, and the incredible support shown for our local nonprofits, it is such a positive and uplifting community event,” said CFNEM Executive Director Patrick Heraghty. “Last year over $365,000 was raised in 24 hours. There is never a way to know what each year will bring, but we hope the community will show up on November 29^th to make this year another successful year for the nonprofits in our area.”

Straits Area organizations participating in the 2022 Giving Tuesday Northeast Michigan event include:

Cheboygan County Humane Society

Mackinaw Area Historical Society

Mackinaw City Area Arts Council

Mackinaw Woman's Club

Straits Area Community Foundation Community Impact Grant Program

The Salvation Army – Cheboygan County

Giving Tuesday Northeast Michigan begins at 12:00 a.m. on November 29. The public will be able to make donations for a full 24 hours and monitor the total amount donated online throughout the day.

Read More Here

Mackinac State Historic Parks Announces Program to Assist with Flag Retirement

As a service to its local communities, Mackinac State Historic Parks (MSHP) will facilitate the proper disposal of United States flags. As the Mackinac Island Scout Service Camp conducts regular flag retirement ceremonies for park flags, this service is being extended to the public.

“We are honored to be able to fulfill this community need,” said Steve Brisson, Mackinac State Historic Parks Director. 

Read More Here

If you or someone you know is looking for employment, check out the link below for a listing of our businesses looking for you!

If your business is hiring, email a brief job description including contact information to Kelly or Amy to include on our employment link. 

Thank You to our current Membership Partners for your continued support of the Greater Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce and the greater Mackinaw community! Contact us to find out how you can join these businesses and become a membership partner at 231-436-5574 or by email.