MC Chamber - August 2020

CHAMBER newsletter August 2020

Inside: Preparing Your Business For Back-To-School Season

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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

AUGUST 2020

PLATINUM MEMBERS

2020 Executive Board of Directors Danette Doyle President The Pioneer Group Randy Ostrander Past President Lake and Lodge Realty, LLC Mindy Taylor Treasurer Mecosta County

2020 Board of Directors Connie Koepke Mecosta County Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Josh Pyles Downtown Business Association

Jim Sandy Mecosta County Development Corporation Pat Currie Currie's BP Amoco Josh Eling Isabella Bank Shelly Keene Michigan Work! West Central

Member At Large City of Big Rapids

LEADING BUSINESSES, LEADING COMMUNITIES For information on becoming a member of the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce, please contact us.

Dave Hamelund Hamtech, Inc.

Stay connected by reading the Chamber’s blog! My Chamber Connect is updated frequently with helpful articles, information about the county, video tutorials and commentary!

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce 127 South State Street, Big Rapids Big Rapids, MI 49307 (231) 796-7649 • Fax: (231) 796-1625 mecostacounty.com

SOCIAL NETWORKING facebook.com/mcacc

Secretary

Heather Bowman

SILVER MEMBERS

Michelle Rasmussen Ferris State University

Jeff Godfrey Spectrum Health

GOLD MEMBERS

twitter.com/mcacc2017

STAFF

Allison Jackson

Events Coordinator & Administrative Assistant events@mecostacounty.com

instagram.com/mecostacountychamber

AUGUST 2020

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

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How to join the Chamber All types of businesses are welcome to join the Chamber and anyone that feels they would benefit from additional marketing, networking and educational opportunities are encouraged to take advantage of all of the benefits that the Chamber has to offer!

Joining the Chamber is easy, all you have to do is fill out the application form and submit with your annual dues. Payment options are available. You can receive the application form by going to our website at www.mecostacounty. com, by stopping in our office at 127 South State Street, Big Rapids or by

mecostacounty.com

calling us at 231-796-7649 and requesting a packet be mailed to you. Your benefits start immediately once the application is received. It’s just that easy!

Let us know if you have any questions and we look forward to serving you!

Leadership Mecosta is a dynamic 9 month program for people who wish to connect with other leaders in the Mecosta County community. Members have the opportunity to learn leadership skills and principles, grow in serving the community, and lead into the future of Mecosta County. For more information on the 2020-2021 class, please visit www.leadershipmecosta.com

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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

CHAMBER NEWS AND INFO Join us for a Rise & Shine hosted by Life Resources of Northern Michigan!

14321 Northland Dr #2, Big Rapids, MI 49307. (231) 796-4919.

Rise & Shine Mecosta! Start your day with networking over morning refreshments. All Mecosta county area residents are welcome to attend this free networking event.

Are you interested in hosting a Rise & Shine? We still have dates available!

Give us a call at (231) 796-7649

Business After Hours hosted by Hillcrest Oakwood Properties on August 6th, 2020!

1101 Fuller Ave, Big Rapids, MI 49307. (231) 598-4433.

Light refreshments are provided by our hosts, and there is typically a door prize! So bring your business cards and take advantage of this great networking opportunity!

RSVP is appreciated. Call the chamber at (231) 796-7649 or email events@mecostacounty.com to RSVP.

Business After Hours 2020 Schedule August 20, 2020: No Business After Hours

October 15, 2020: Altercare of Big Rapids

September 17, 2020: St. Mary-St. Paul Ministry/Resale Shop

November 19, 2020: Available No Business After Hours in December

Rise & Shine 2020 Schedule Enjoy breakfast refreshments, provided by our host, to start your day off right. RNS events begin at 7:30 a.m. and wrap up by 8:30 a.m. RSVP is appreciated.

Call (231)796-7649 or email events@mecostacounty.com to RSVP. August 27, 2020 -

September 24, 2020

Life Resources of Northern Michigan

October 22, 2020 - Available!

No Rise and Shine in November or December. See you at the Annual Meeting in 2021!

Special Thank You to all of our Ambassador Club Volunteers!

AUGUST 2020

AUGUST 2020

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

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Ribbon Cutting

Congratulations to Sports Clips! Located at 734 Perry Ave Suite H, Big Rapids, MI 49307.

Welcome to the Community

Retired & Seniors Volunteer Program of Mecosta, Osceola & Lake Counties helps adults age 55+ contribute their talents and experience to serve local nonprofits. RSVP is looking for more volunteers to help with various tasks, such as: • Transportation driver for medical appointments, grocery shopping, etc.

• Being a Friendly Visitor by phone or in person to an isolated senior • Recycling • Knitting & Crocheting • Providing Medicare & Medicaid Assistant Program counseling • Volunteer at food pantries, meal sires, food banks, etc • Mentor youth in school programs • Provide tax assistance to seniors living on low incomes & individuals with disabilities (training provided) What's the benefit of serving?

• You'll make a difference in your community • Receive supplemental Volunteer Liability Insurance at no cost to you upon joining RSVP • Enjoy local recognition activities with other dedicated volunteers for your important work • You'll be a part of a nationally recognized organization that supports volunteerism

Pictured kneeling front left to right Chamber Ambassador John Milan and Acting Store Manager Shawn Mcintyre along with Lume Associates.

Lume is actually it’s own brand as they build their own cultivating facilities, package their own products and sell it from their stores. This allows for total quality control and gives their customers a supremely high quality cannabis that you can’t find anywhere else. Lume is the largest cannabis retailer in Michigan with 8 stores and a lot more planned. They offer curbside pick up and delivery from 10-9 Monday-Saturday and 11-6 Sunday. Located at 113 S Michigan Avenue Downtown Big Rapids, 231 598 8189.

• Improve your own health by promotion of an active lifestyle • Work where and when you want to RSVP is also requesting additional members to add to their Advisory Committee - which has no age limit! You'll be required to attend one monthly meeting to help RSVP plan, advise, and evaluate the various activities of RSVP. If you're interested in more information or looking to join, call Linda Conell at 231-796-4848!

An informational Advisory Committee meeting will be held on July 28th at 1p at the RSVP office - inquire with Linda to RSVP for the RSVP meeting!

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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

AUGUST 2020

HOW TO CREATE AN AWESOME BACK-TO-SCHOOL MARKETING CAMPAIGN

By Syed Balkhi, Buisness2Community.com The back-to-school season is exciting! Parents and their children are busy shopping for new supplies to get them through the school year and they’re spending a lot of money. In fact, according to Deloitte, the average back-to-school (BTS) spend per child is $519.

So, it’s wise to take advantage of this thrilling time. But, in order to get more BTS shoppers through your business doors or to your website, you need to grab their attention. This can be tough to do when just about every company out there is also offering BTS sales and promotions. Luckily, there are some simple tips you can use to make sure your business stands out.

Here’s how to create an awesome back-to-school marketing campaign.

PROMOTE THE RIGHT PRODUCTS. First, in order to create a successful back-to-school marketing campaign, you need to focus on promoting the right products. If you choose products that don’t in any way relate to the backto-school season, no one will pay any attention to your marketing campaign.

Of course, the most popular back-toschool products include: Stationary supplies Clothing/shoes Backpacks/lunch bags Food for packed lunches Electronics (calculators, laptops) But, even if your business doesn’t sell the typical back-to-school products, you can still make whatever you offer relevant to the back-to-school season.

For instance, a pizza restaurant can offer an after-school pizza special.

Or a fitness studio could promote

a “Get Fit for the New School Year” gym membership targeted towards college students. The back-to-school season is much like New Year’s; it’s a time for a fresh start. Use that theme as inspiration when choosing what products you’ll feature.

OFFER FREEBIES TO HELP YOUR AUDIENCE. Instead of focusing only on selling your products, you should provide your audience with valuable back-to-school resources as well. Offering helpful freebies is a great way to increase brand awareness with your target audience.

For instance, like in the example below, you could offer a free meal plan to help out parents during this busy time of year.

Other back-to-school freebie ideas could include recipes, calendars, planners, binder covers, checklists, and more.

Consider offering your back-toschool freebie to shoppers in exchange for their email address. That way, instead of just giving something away and never seeing those people again, they can become subscribers to your email list. Then, with email marketing campaigns, you can easily encourage consumers to visit your store or website again and turn them into customers.

CREATE A GIVEAWAY. Speaking of freebies, another way to create a lot of buzz around your brand is by running a giveaway. The back-to-school season can be costly for parents. So, many would rush to enter a giveaway for a chance to win some great back-to-school supplies.

For example, a back-to-school giveaway with awesome prizes, like the one below, would attract a ton of entries.

THINK ABOUT THE KIDS, NOT JUST THE PARENTS. Back-to-school marketing campaigns are usually aimed at parents, they’re the ones with the money after all.

Because of this, many businesses focus on creating marketing campaigns in print flyers and email newsletters.

But, according to research, more than three-quarters of parents say children have a direct influence on up to 50 percent of their purchases. So, when planning back-to-school marketing campaigns, think about targeting kids and teens too.

Consider where kids hang out online and what type of content they’re interested in. For instance, you could create posts or ads on social media platforms such as Instagram or YouTube, where a lot of younger audiences spend their time.

Video content is especially popular with younger audiences. This year, eMarketer expects that 24.2 million kids – those ages 11 and younger – will watch digital video.

DON’T TEACHERS.

FORGET

ABOUT

When you think about back-toschool marketing campaigns, you

typically think of parents and their kids. But, don’t forget about teachers too. Most teachers are expected to buy their own supplies for the classroom, so don’t leave them out of your back-toschool sales and specials.

To attract more teachers to your business you could hold a few “Teacher Appreciation Days” throughout the summer like Staples does. On these specific days, teachers can get special deals and free samples.

While teachers can participate in any regular back-to-school sale, having promotions specifically targeted towards teachers will make them feel appreciated.

OVER TO YOU. Normally, you’d want to start planning your back-to-school marketing campaign early. But, there’s still time to create a successful campaign just in time for September. With a good back-to-school marketing campaign, you can impress a large portion of your target audience – teachers, kids, college students, and teachers alike – and turn them into lifelong customers.

AUGUST 2020

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

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14 BACK-TO-SCHOOL MARKETING IDEAS FOR YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS

By Raubi Perilli, MyAreaNetwork.com For some students and parents, shopping for new school supplies and clothes is just as important as holiday shopping in December. Kids need pencils, binders, and backpacks – and they want all of the coolest and most exciting options available. But, back-toschool isn't just about school supplies.

the month on memberships or certain packages for your local customers. This way parents and teachers who are too busy to stop in can still take advantage of your back-to-school themed offers. #4) FUNDRAISER FOR LOCAL SCHOOLS OR STUDENTS

#13) TIE YOUR MARKETING INTO EDUCATIONAL THEMES

Create a marketing promotion that targets teacher, parent, and student schedules. For example, a smoothie shop could offer a “back-to-school study special” with BOGO drinks for students in the afternoon. A daycare near a school could offer “teacher hours” that run earlier. Look at the needs of students and teachers and see how your brand can fill them.

You don’t have to cater exclusively to kids or parents to tap into back-toschool marketing. Look for marketing opportunities that tie to themes related to school, education, and learning.

For example, a bar could do a schoolsubject themed trivia night or a bakery could sell apple pies. Think about the overarching themes of school and how you can apply them.

#10) PARTNER WITH SCHOOLS ON SPECIFIC EVENTS

#14) REWARD STUDENTS WHO GET GOOD GRADES

Of course, teachers aren’t the only ones who can be celebrated. Many parents are ready for their kids to go back after a long summer of keeping their children at home. Use your backto-school space to encourage parents to celebrate or treat themselves as their kids head off to the new school year.

Your brand might fit in with the existing back-to-school events and promotions. See if you can sponsor a locker night or serve as a vendor for a back-to-school celebration. This is a great way to support your community while getting your brand in front of hundreds of students, parents, and teachers.

#7) ENCOURAGE FAMILIES TO SEND OFF SUMMER

#11) FIND SEASONAL PRODUCTS OR SERVICES TO OFFER

You can let your back-to-school marketing plan run through the entire year if you want. Offer gifts, discounts or rewards to students who get good grades. These offers can be something small (like a free slice of pizza) or something larger like free admission to a movie or experience. Promote your “good grades program” throughout the year to attract students.

Many students love summer and even parents have a hard time saying goodbye to long days and lazy afternoons. Use your brand to say goodbye to summer and welcome the

Bars can create school-themed cocktails geared toward parents and restaurants can offer a “back-to-school" breakfast the weekend before school starts. See what unique products you

#5) SET ASIDE A DAY OR WEEK TO HONOR TEACHERS

The time to create your back-toschool marketing plan isn’t when kids are already going back-to-school.

Start developing a plan in June or early July for an August or September school return. This will give you time to develop graphics, iron out the details, and contact the necessary supplies or vendors for events.

Almost any business can honor teachers. Bars can offer free or discounted drinks, salons and spas can pamper teachers with massages or haircuts, restaurants can off food, and stores can offer teacher discounts. Use the weeks before the start of school to celebrate teachers or help them get ready to go back to the classroom.

#2) KNOW WHEN STUDENTS AND TEACHERS GO BACK

#6) OFFER TO PAMPER PARENTS

Your back-to-school marketing plan doesn’t need to be limited to a week or day. Offer special discounts throughout

#12) UPDATE YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA BANNERS FOR BACK-TOSCHOOL SEASON

#9) SET DEALS AROUND SCHOOL HOURS

#1) START DEVELOPING YOUR STRATEGY IN THE SUMMER

#3) CREATE DISCOUNTS FOR THE FIRST MONTH OF SCHOOL

#8) BECOME A RESOURCE FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL INFORMATION

Create unique graphics for your back-to-school promotions. Update your social media banners and share photos on Instagram and your other social timelines. It only takes a few extra minutes to create something professional and engaging.

Fall is coming sooner than you realize.

Check out these 14 back-to-school marketing ideas for your business.

This might seem like a simple step, but it is an important part of your marketing strategy. People might ignore your deal if it is too early or too late. You don’t want to seem irrelevant.

Look at the dates for when students go back and build your marketing plans around them.

can offer and promote that tie into the back-to-school theme. You can get creative with your branding to create something fun and unique.

Information sharing is an important part of marketing. Parents often turn to retail stores like Target for school lists when buying supplies or looking for uniforms. Try to get information from the schools on what parents need and provide other relevant back-to-school information to help parents out.

Schools are always looking for fundraisers for supplies, extracurricular activities, and field trips. Use your platform as a local business owner to support students and teachers in your community with a fundraiser. You can ask people to donate in exchange for a discount or offer a portion of your sales to the school over the course of a night or weekend. Every little bit helps.

Brands, even those who don’t cater to kids, can take advantage of the backto-school excitement for their own promotions.

school year and fall. You could throw a party at your location or offer specials for the last few weeks before school starts.

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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

AUGUST 2020

EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS Summertime is here in the Big Rapids Region! What a perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy Mother Nature’s playground in our very own backyard.

From pristine waterways and award-wining golf courses to scenic trails and relaxing community parks. The Big Rapids Region offers the perfect retreat for all outdoor enthusiasts.

Some of the most exciting news relating to outdoor recreation is the official opening of the first 6 miles to The Dragon on July 20th, 2020.

If you are not aware, The Dragon, or Michigan's Dragon, will be the most unique adventure destination that embraces West Michigan.

The Dragon will be a 47 mile non motorized, multi-use looped trail system between Hardy and Rogers Dams, winding through both Mecosta and Newaygo Counties. The trail is located on the banks of the nearly 4,000 acre Hardy Pond Reservoir on the majestic Muskegon River. The trail also features 23 bridges, 11 trail segments and 13 scenic overlooks.

Head to www.mecostacounty.com to the events tab for dates & to join the Chamber Connect group!

This Midwest adventure trail will not only be the destination for hikers, mountain bikers, snowshoer's and all around trail lovers but will also be a tremendous economic driver for both counties creating an estimated 70 additional jobs and 100,000 visitors per year.

To find out more information on how you can tame The Dragon,

visit thedragon.us for complete details on the current construction process and access points.

Looking for more trails to conquer during your outdoor trails quest?

Visit our Trails page at BigRapids. org for a complete list of trails in Mecosta County. Whether you are looking to hike or bike, take a challenging adventure or just enjoy a leisurely stroll, we have the trail for you.

Don’t forget, we also have everything you need to set out on your next golf, fishing and boating adventure as well. For those friends and family members that are excited to join you on numerous, social distancing activities that we have here in the Big Rapids Region, don’t forget our amazing lodging facilities that offer great accommodations and meal services - all while adhering to (and most surpassing) all of the current state and governmental safety guidelines.

Everything you need to create your own outdoor adventure can be found at BigRapids.org or the Mecosta County Welcome Center.

We hope you have an amazing, and safe, summer while out Exploring the Big Rapids Region.

Connie Koepke – Executive Director, Mecosta County Visitors Bureau

AUGUST 2020

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

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Why pay a superstore .39¢ a copy, when you can print on demand “in house” at a fraction of the cost?

• 50-sheet Single-pass Duplex Automatic Document Feeder (DADF) Scans two-sided originals for copy, scan, and fax jobs.

• Front-side USB port allows users to quickly print from or scan to any standard USB memory device.

• 250-sheet output tray with tray-full sensor.

• The 150-sheet bypass Tray handles media sizes from 3 x 5 in. to 8.5 x 14 in./76.2 x 127 mm to 216 x 356 mm.

• With the 550-sheet paper tray, standard paper capacity totals 700 sheets (including Bypass tray).

Preferred Office Machines is your local Authorized Xerox Sales Agent since 1989.

Preferred Office Machines is also your conveniently located choice for print services.

We offer on-site copying, printing, laminating, scanning and faxing services.

In addition to our print services, we also have a graphic designer on staff to design your flyers, invitations and business cards.

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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

AUGUST 2020

Call to Artists!

A Salute to Veterans II

New Admissions Welcome!

(231) 592-1000 Big Rapids • Boyne City • Cedar Springs • Cheboygan • Gaylord • Gladwin • Grayling Houghton Lake • Newaygo • Portland • Rogers City • Roscommon & West Branch

To celebrate Veteran’s Day 2020, Artworks will be presenting A Salute to Veterans II. If you are a military Veteran who creates art either for personal enjoyment or therapy, consider entering your work in this exhibit. All mediums are welcome and there is no fee to enter.

We will also be accepting entries from friends or family members of military Veterans whose work is inspired by their valor and service to our country.

A Salute to Veterans II will be on display at Artworks October 1 through November 12.

Please complete the attached form and send it to Heidi Kinnally at Artworks, along with a photo of the work(s) you wish to exhibit, no later than September 1, 2020.

You may email form to artworkseducation@gmail.com, FAX it to 231-796-6595, or drop it off in our gift shop Monday through Saturday 10:00am-5:30pm.

“Helping Buyers & Sellers for over 50 years”

SILVERNAIL REALTY

Call Today!

231-796-6329

Sue Glatz

www.silvernailrealty.com Sue Glatz, GRI, CRB, ABR, Broker/Owner

Salespersons: Terry Weaver, Katy VanCuren

Property Management • Land Contracts

Katy VanCuren

We sell all types of real estate and offer property management.

We work for buyers AND sellers!

17810 205th Ave., Suite #1, Big Rapids, MI 49307

AUGUST 2020

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

NOMINATE YOUR HEROES Even as we face uncertainty and a new reality, many of our friends, family and neighbors are rising to the occasion, making our communities a better place to live even in crisis.

Inspiring stories of hope and helping in the face of the unknown are popping up on our screens, right from our neighborhoods.

We want to share those stories.

AUGUST 2020

Festival of Banners 2020

Hometown Heroes Artworks, along with the City of Big Rapids and the American Legion Auxiliary, is proud to honor our servicemen and servicewomen by facilitating the Hometown Heroes program as part of Festival of Banners 2020. We will be honoring local residents and their family members who are serving, or are Veterans who have served our country in the United States Armed Forces. Each banner will include branch of service, dates of service, medals received, and a photo. The banners will be displayed on street poles in Downtown Big Rapids and along the Baldwin Street bridge from November 2020 through March 2021 to both celebrate and remind the community of their dedication to our country.

The cost of each banner is $100. For each banner sold, a portion of the proceeds will go towards supporting local Veteran programming and services such as therapeutic art lessons for disabled Veterans and educational programming for the community. Once the banners come down, your banner will be yours to keep.

Please submit this form to Artworks by August 14, 2020. Applications will be subject to a jury process to be sure every branch is fairly represented. Once you banner has been approved, you will be contacted with instructions on submitting payment and a photo. Payment and photo are due no later than September 10, 2020. If payment is not received by this date, the next applicant on the list will be contacted.

Please limit two applications per family.

To submit your heroes, please visit www.bigrapidsnews.com and search "Nominate your Heroes Unmasked in Mecosta County"!

Contact Heidi Kinnally at Artworks with any questions: 231-796-2420 ext. 11 or artworkseducation@gmail.com.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Rank and Name (as you would like it presented) ____________________________________________________________ Branch of Military _______________________________________________________________________________________ Decorated (Medal of Honor, Purple Heart, Silver Star, Bronze Star) ____________________________________________ Years Served _______________ to _______________ Contact Information:

Your Lakefront expert!

Name _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Email _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone _________________________________________________________________________________________________

8520 100th Ave. Canadian Lakes, MI 49346

231.972.8300

KATHY ADAMS

106 N Michigan Ave Big Rapids, MI 49307 Phone: 231-796-2420 Fax: 231-796-6595 artworkseducation@gmail.com

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101 S Michigan Ave

101 S Michigan Ave

101 Michigan Ave Big Rapids, MI 49307 101SSBig Michigan Ave Rapids, Big Rapids, MI 49307MI 49307 231-796-5446 Big Rapids, MI 49307 231-796-5446 231-796-5446

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231-796-5446

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14777 150th Ave.

Member Member SIPC SIPC

Member SIPC

• Monday 9AM Tee Off Senior Mens League • Tuesday 9AM Tee Off Senior Ladies League • Wednesday All You Can Golf $25 • Thursday 9AM Tee Off Senior Mens League • Thursday Night Couples League 6PM Tee Off • Sunday Night Scramble 4-person Teams Tee Off 5:30PM

AUGUST 2020

2020 CENSUS

HEY, MECOSTA COUNTY! YOUR VOICE DOES COUNT!

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

AUGUST 2020

It is with a heavy heart that we must say that due to current restrictions set by the Michigan government, we must cancel our 2020 Labor Day Arts and Crafts Festival.

We look forward to hosting this festival in 2021, and hope that our friends and members will understand this difficult decision.

To stay updated with future events, visit our website at www.mecostacounty.com and follow us on Facebook @MCACC.

AUGUST 2020

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

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AUGUST 2020

Members Bulletin Board

This section is dedicated to Chamber members who are utilizing their marketing opportunities as one of the many values of belonging to the Chamber:

Artworks.

Hand Built Pottery

Mondays, Sept. 14-28 & Oct. 5-26 6-8 PM

Big Rapids Community Library bigrapids.lib.mi.us

Activities & Events have been suspended until further notice.

For more information and updates visit our website or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Open Studio

Every other Tuesday, 5-8 PM Basket Weaving: Roxanne's Sock Basket

Saturday, Sept. 19, 9 AM-3 PM Beginning Stained Glass

Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 AM-2 PM Introduction to Watercolor

TBA

Plein Air at the Park

Saturday, Sept. 19, 10 AM-12 PM Fundamentals of Photography

Tuesdays, Sept. 15 - Oct. 20, 5:30-7:30 PM

RECYCLE! Of Mecosta County MONDAY 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

FRIDAY 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

SATURDAY 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

424 N. 4th Street Big Rapids, MI 49307 (231) 796-9872

Please call ahead or check out an organization's website for up-to-date schedules & information!

Creative Night Out: Stained Glass Suncatcher

Thursday, Sept. 24, 6-8 PM For class descriptions, fees, and registration visit artworksinbigrapids.org/classes or scan QR code

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

AUGUST 2020

Call for Artists!

2020 Holiday Market November 16 - December 23 Deadline for Applications: October 19 at 5 PM The holidays are sneaking up, and it’s time to start thinking about getting your art ready for the 2020 Holiday Market!

This is a great opportunity to have your work available for sale, in the Batdorff Gallery, during the gift giving season. Folks are always able to count on us, to have the unique, one of a kind gift options they are looking for.

If you are interested in joining us please submit the application by the deadline. We supply a table (varies in size depending on work) and we ask you to bring a black tablecloth. We like to have you assist in the set up if possible.

The Holiday Market opens November 16, 2020 and runs through December 23, 2020. Drop off for the Market will be scheduled the week of November 9th and take down is scheduled the 26th-31st of December.

There is a $20 Fee and a 60/40 commission split.

Artworks provides bags and wrapping materials.

You will be provided with an inventory sheet to fill out, and all items will be entered into the POS and assigned an item code for scanning when purchased. The Gift Shop Manager takes care of this.

Checks will be written and mailed to the Artists on 2 dates. December 15th (sales for November) and January 15th(sales for December).

Please contact the Gift Shop Manager, Stacie Wright, with any question.

Phone: 231-796-2420 Email: shopartworks@gmail.com ****If you are a current Artworks Artist**** If you are looking to add more space for your products in the Batdorff Gallery there is a $15 fee and your commission will remain as it is. We want to see new items on this Gallery space side for our shoppers.

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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

LUNCH & LEARNS FOR 2020 OPPORTUNITY TO SCHEDULE September 9, 2020: TBD,

11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

October 14, 2020: TBD,

11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

November 11, 2020: TBD,

11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

December 9, 2020: TBD,

11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Call the chamber at (231) 796-7649 or email

events@mecostacounty.com to RSVP.

AUGUST 2020

AUGUST 2020

Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

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Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce News • Visit us at mecostacounty.com

*All events are subject to change or cancellation.

MECOSTA COUNTY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

AUGUST 2020

Aug 2

AMVETS Auxiliary Monthly Breakfast @ Post 1941 from 9-11:30 AM

Aug 4

Election Day

Aug 4

2020 Pioneer Group Chamber Golf Outing @ Tullymore Golf Resort

Aug 6

Big Rapids Antique Farm & Power Club Tractor Pull starting at 9 AM

Aug 9

Mecosta VFW Pancake Breakfast from 8-11:30 AM

Aug 12

Lunch & Learn: TBD

Aug 13

BRCL Board Meeting @ 5:30 PM

Aug 20

Foot Care Clinic @ Mecosta Senior Center from 10AM-2PM

Aug 27

SPECIAL DAYS GFWC MONTHLY MEETINGS 2ND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH, SEPTEMBER THROUGH MAY AT THE BIG RAPIDS PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT. CALL 231-349-7743 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Business After Hours with Hillcrest Oakwood Properties from 5-6:30 PM

Aug 8

AUGUST 2020

Rise & Shine with Life Resources from 7:30-8:30 AM

ARTWORKS HAND BUILT POTTERY: MONDAYS SEPT 14-28 & OCT 5-26, 6-8 PM OPEN STUDIO: EVERY OTHER TUESDAY, 5-8 PM FUNDAMENTALS OF PHOTOGRAPHY: TUESDAYS, SEPT 15-OCT 20, 5:30-7:30 PM AFTER SCHOOL ART: TUESDAYS, SEPT 10 - NOV 19, 3:45-5:15 PM CREATIVE NIGHT OUT - STAINED GLASS SUNCATCHER: SEPT 24, 6-8 PM PLEIN AIR AT THE PARK: SEPT 19, 10 AM-12 PM

QI GONG RED FOX MARKET

TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & THURSDAYS BEGINNER: 10-10:30 AM ADVANCED: 10:30-11 AM

BIG RAPIDS COMMUNITY LIBRARY STORY TIME - MONS & WEDS 10:30-11:30A COMMUNITY PLAYGROUP - TUES 9:30-11:30A KNIT NIGHT - 1ST & 3RD THURS 6:30-8:30P TINY TOTS TINKER LAB - FRIDAYS 10:30-11:30A

BIG RAPIDS ROTARY CLUB MEETS EVERY TUESDAY AT NOON AT FALCON HEAD BIG RAPIDS LIONS CLUB MEETS EVERY SECOND AND FOURTH MONDAYS OF THE MONTH, 6:30 P.M. AT #52 SPORTS BAR AND KITCHEN.

DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS, CHAPTER 18

A SERVICE OFFICER IS AVAILABLE TO ASSIST VETERANS IN RECEIVING BENEFITS. THURSDAYS 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M. AT THE DAV IN BIG RAPIDS. ALL VETERANS WELCOME