Issue #61 – August 2017
Welcome full-time staff and co-location with KEDA We welcome Tara Arens as the new full-time Support Specialist at the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce. Born and raised here in the Upper Peninsula, Tara knew the Support Specialist position was a natural fit for her. “I am very excited to be here at the Chamber, and I look forward to supporting a positive community and economic growth in our region.” In her free time Tara loves to spend time outdoors with her husband, Jon, and their two children, Brantley and Dalton. “It’s always an adventure here in the Copper Country, and it’s a blessing being able to raise my family here.”
Inside This Issue Board of Directors What’s New? Mark Your Calendar’s New Member Spotlight Renewed Member’s Leadership Keweenaw Interested in Getting Involved? Chamber Tips Opportunities Shop Local MTU Graduate School UPPCO – Our Roots Run Deep UP Health System Why Join a Chamber? Chamber Information A Special Thank You
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Our General Objectives To coordinate the efforts of commerce and
Board of Directors
the professions in maintaining and strengthening a sound and healthy business climate in the Keweenaw Peninsula, building communities to which residents, visitors and investors are attracted.
Brian Donnelly, President Market Manager River Valley Bank, Houghton bdonnelly@rivervalleybank.com
provide for full development and employment of our human and economic resources.
Jan Cole, Vice-President Managing Partner Edochi, LLC jancole1663@yahoo.com
To sponsor programs and activities that will
To provide creative business leadership and
effective coordination of all interested parties in solving community problems and initiating constructive community action. Promoting our area communities, striving to ensure future prosperity via a pro-business climate; representing the unified voice of the business community.
To create broad understanding and
appreciation of the great opportunities in the Keweenaw Peninsula, and to promote the advantages and assets of our community within the area, in the state, and in the world.
Matt Thyer, Treasurer Owner Up and Running Technology Solutions matt.thyer@uartechsolutions.com
Karin Van Dyke, Secretary Vice President for University Relations Finlandia University karin.vandyke@finlandia.edu
The Mission, Vision, and Philosophy
Angela Luskin Health & Fitness Instructor UP Health System – Portage aluskin@portagehealth.org
The MISSION of the Keweenaw Chamber of
Marilyn Clark Chief Executive Officer MTEC SmartZone mclark@mtecsz.com
Commerce is to improve the community and economic vitality of the Keweenaw Peninsula. The VISION of the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce is to create a sustainable, diverse, and vibrant economy that fosters excellent quality of life. The PHILOSOPHY of the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce is such that we believe we can achieve our vision through effective leadership and collaboration with other organizations, business leaders, and community members while working with integrity towards the achievement of common goals through shared resources, skills, and ideas.
Jim Desrochers Associate Director of Industry Relations Michigan Technological University jtdesroc@mtu.edu Carrie Richards Dual Career Program Coordinator Michigan Technological University carrie@mtu.edu
What’s New at the Chamber? July was a month of new collaboration, as KEDA moved its main office into the building occupied by the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce. This move is geared to promote deep collaboration between the two agencies and create efficiencies that will make both organizations more effective. In addition to sharing space, the two agencies will also share administrative staff to help pursue different areas of growth for our area.
“This collaboration is something that the community has wanted for a long time” says Chamber Board President Brian Donnelly. “Communities that have effective economic development agencies see those agencies working together closely toward a common vision. That’s what we are trying to achieve here in the Keweenaw.” Both organizations stress that this is a co-location, not a merger of the organizations. Both organizations will retain their respective boards and distinct missions and roles. This co-location also does not preclude the organizations from pursuing a previously discussed plan for bringing the KCC, KEDA and two other regional economic development organizations under one roof.
“Since completing the Keweenaw Economic Development Strategic Plan in 2015, KEDA has restructured organizationally and developed close working relationships with the local and regional organizations that support our efforts,” said Jeff Ratcliffe, KEDA Executive Director. “Co-locating our offices with the Chamber is a logical move that improves communication, allows us to better coordinate our efforts, and gain badly needed staff support.”
Mark Your Calendar’s Keweenaw Alumni & Friends Chapter 5K Run/Walk for Scholarship
Saturday, August 5, 2017 7:30 a.m. Registration 8:30 a.m. Walk begins 9:00 a.m. Run begins The cost to participate is $15 in advance or $20 the day of the event.
Michigan Tech Trails Across from Sherman Field on Sharon Ave, Houghton, Michigan 906-487-2849
Register at mtu.edu/kac5k2017 or call 906-487-2400.
You are not going to want to miss this show!
Contact: Johanna Davis email: spiritofthenorthwellness@gmail.com Phone: 906-289-4363
2017 Saturday, August 19th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, August 20th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
August 24-27, 2017 The Houghton County Fair Board is looking for a group or business that would like to have a food booth in the Maasto Hiihto - 4 Season's Chalet at the fairgrounds during the fair. The Bookworm has had their coffee/smoothie drinks, cut up fruit bowls, hot dogs, chips, pop but will not be doing it this year. We would be looking for something similar if possible. They did open earlier than the required opening of noon and had people that have to be on the fairgrounds early (livestock exhibitors, carnival workers, other vendors, horse show participants, board members, superintendents) looking for coffee, fruit cups, etc. early. Interested parties wanting more information should email houghtoncountyfair@hotmail.com or call 482-6200 and leave a message.
New Member Spotlight
KFRC 850 W Sharon Ave Suite 6 Houghton, MI 49931 (906) 482-9363 www.kfrckids.org Joining online is easy‌ visit http://www.keweenaw.org/member/newmemberapp/, fill out the form and submit payment. If you have any questions, please call the Chamber office at 906.482.5240.
New Member Spotlight
Krupp’s All Seasons Resort 32170 Emily Lake Road, Toivola MI 49965 Phone: 906-288-3404 E-mail : kruppsresort@alphacomm.net Lakefront Cabins On the Bill Nicholls Trail Your hosts is Richard Krupp Located just 23 Miles South of Houghton, Michigan, on M-26 This four season resort offers some of the finest outdoor recreation in the Upper Peninsula. Snowmobiling - ATVing - Hunting - Fishing - Swimming - Family Vacation Weekly & Nightly Rates for Modern 1, 2, & 3 bedroom fully furnished Lakefront Cabins and Campground on beautiful Twin Lakes! Sleep from 1 to 8 people. Satellite TV. Full kitchens. Swimming beach. Charcoal grills, picnic tables, and fire pits. Reasonable Rates. Boats with motors or without motors are available for rent, or you can bring your own boat. Boat ramp nearby. At the well-known Bill Nicholls Snowmobile and ATV Trail.
www.exploringthenorth.com/krupps/krupps.html
Joining online is easy‌ visit http://www.keweenaw.org/member/newmemberapp/, fill out the form and submit payment. If you have any questions, please call the Chamber office at 906.482.5240.
New Member Spotlight
2211 Maureen Lane Houghton, MI 49931 P: (906) 482-4438 F :(906) 482-6144 www.omega-house.org Joining online is easy‌ visit http://www.keweenaw.org/member/newmemberapp/, fill out the form and submit payment. If you have any questions, please call the Chamber office at 906.482.5240.
THANK YOU for renewing your membership! Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce is pleased to recognize the dedication of our renewed members! AmericInn Lodge and Suites of Silver City, MI Bella Vista Motel Black Bear Cabin Calumet Theatre Copper Country Veterinary Clinic Country Inn & Suites Crampton Surveying, Inc. Credit Services, Inc. Crown Cleaners D & L Janitorial Service's, Inc. Dave’s BP Gitzen Company Gogebic Community College Goodwill Industries – Calumet Training Center Hancock Public Schools Holiday Inn Express Keweenaw Community Foundation Keweenaw Title Agency
Michigan Technological University Mine Shaft and Rock House Grill & Tavern Minnetonka Resort Northwind Adventures Northwood’s Sporting Goods PJ Olsson’s Rock Camp Quincy Mine Hoist Association R.L. Kavorik, D.D.S. Ramada Waterfront Sherwin Williams Company The Office Planning Group Torch Lake Area Sewage Authority U.P. Engineers & Architects, Inc. U- Haul Moving & Storage of Houghton UP Health System – Portage Upper Great Lakes Family health Center Upper Peninsula Power Company Wells Fargo Bank World of Wood
Founding Partners
Sponsors (For sponsorship opportunities, please call the Chamber office at 482.5240.) Leadership Keweenaw Program will be postponed until 2018! Steering Committee Ruth Archer, Michigan Technological University Marilyn Clark, MTEC SmartZone Kathy Flagstadt, Michigan Rehabilitation Services Christopher Hatton, Finlandia University Mary Jane Hatton, Finlandia University
Dana Johnson, Michigan Technological University Cathy Luchessi–Gedda, Superior National Bank Robbyn Lucier, UP Health System – Portage Scott MacInnes, City of Houghton Kevin Manninen, Finlandia University
2016/2017 Participants Amanda McConnon, Michigan Technological University Angela Hoffman, Michigan Technological University Brennan Wade, GS Engineering Cassy Tefft de Munoz, Michigan Technological University Christopher Hatton, Individual Devin Leonarduzzi, MTEC SmartZone
Don Bigelow, GS Engineering Morgan Impola, UPPCO Robert Tarvis, Jr., Village of Calumet Ryan Clark, Individual Sally Osentoski, Michigan Works! Steven Walter, GS Engineering Tina Tesluk, UP Health System - Portage
Visit: www.keweenaw.org/leadership-keweenaw
Interested In Getting Involved? The Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce works to attract, support and develop area businesses like yours. Participating in community events is a great way to network and create visibility for your company in the community. For more information about upcoming events, check out our calendar: http://keweenaw.org/events/calendar/ Let us know if you have an upcoming event you want included on our calendar or in our next newsletter. We are looking for photos of people doing business in the Keweenaw, to use on our website and in our newsletters. If you have photos you’d like to share, send them to info@keweenaw.org. Please include information on who took the photo and where it was taken so we can give proper credit. Thanks! For more information on the benefits of Chamber membership, visit www.keweenaw.org or call our office at 906.482.5240 to see how we can help your business launch, grow and achieve its full potential. Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce 902 College Avenue Houghton, MI 49931 p. 906.482.5240 e. info@keweenaw.org www.keweenaw.org
www.facebook.com/KeweenawChamber
Tip: Getting the Most of Your Chamber Membership! Have you ever checked with your insurance agent and said you were a Chamber Member? Incase you didn't know, you may be eligible for a discount which will more than pay for your Chamber Membership, all by just being a Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce Member! A recent conversation with a chamber member highlighted benefits of how huge these discount benefits can be‌ a savings of $2500 for that one business. Call your insurance agent and check to see what your savings could be depending on your needs and services. Pass this on to potential new members, this could cover the cost of their membership‌ everyone should be a Chamber Member!
A complete list of Chamber Member Insurance providers can be found here: http://www.keweenaw.org/list/category/insurance-18
Joining online is easy‌ visit http://www.keweenaw.org/member/newmemberapp/, fill out the form and submit payment. If you have any questions, please call the Chamber office at 906.482.5240.
The Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce takes seriously the promotion of all our communities businesses, churches and civic organizations. Informing others of the finest things we have in our area, as well as, the goods and services available is an important part of each of our days and planned activities. We are honored to be able to provide brochure space for each of our members and feel it is important to keep YOUR brochures, placed in the display racks in the Chamber lobby, and are important to many hundreds of visitors looking for attractions, services and products.
Chamber Member Opportunities Is your business interested in hosting a Business After Hours, Morning Brew, or having a ribbon cutting? Do you have an idea for a Lunch and Learn? Contact Trina at the Chamber 906.482.5240. Is there a business that you know of that should host a Ribbon Cutting or Business After Hours to celebrate a milestone? Send us their information and we would be happy to contact them! Chamber businesses have the opportunity to sign up for Business After Hours, Morning Brew, and Ribbon Cuttings to celebrate their grand opening, open house, or ground breaking. Along with Chamber Members, your staff members and support team, Chamber staff, Chamber Board of Directors and Chamber Ambassadors attend the event to help you celebrate! A photograph of your event will be seen by many through the Chamber newsletter, as well as the Chamber’s Facebook page and Twitter site.
We need the following for our newsletters: • • • • •
Photos Business News New Hires Open Positions Updates about your Business
If you have photos or stories you would like to share, please send them to info@keweenaw.org. Please include who took the photo, where it was taken, and who wrote the story, so we can give proper credit. Thank you!
The SBA Learning Center offers free online courses available to businesses and entrepreneurs. You can find a link to this resource through your Member Information Center (MIC) on the Chamber’s new website. The SBA offers courses such as; Introduction to Pricing, Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights, Strategic Planning, Savings Plans for Small Businesses to name just a few. Check often as courses change and there is bound to be something there that will help you and your business continue to succeed.
Our roots run deep in the Keweenaw Upper Peninsula Power Company was created in 1947 through a merger of three utilities. One of them, the Houghton County Electric Light Company, earlier acquired the interests of Peninsula Electric Light and Power, which began operating in the Keweenaw in 1884 – just five years after Edison invented the light bulb. From the Edison bulb to hightech electronics of today, you might say UPPCO has been providing “U.P. Power” for more than 130 years.
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Safe & Reliable Service Renewable Hydroelectric Generation With Public Recreational Opportunities
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Proud Community Supporter
Learn more at www.uppco.com
Customer Service (800-562-7680) customerservice@uppco.com 24-Hour Electric Emergencies/Outages 1-800-562-7809 Outage Updates @UPPCOstorm News@uppcopower
Contact the Chamber to learn more about the benefits of membership today! 906.482.5240
1. Log into the Member Information Center (MIC) 2. Familiarize Yourself with the MIC Dashboard 3. Visit and Edit your Company’s Profile 4. Edit Employee/Rep Information 5. Visit and Edit the Website Information Section a. Organization Information b. Add Social Links c. Add Description, Hours of Operation, Driving Directions d. Add Keywords 6. Put Your Pin on the Map
Did you notice any businesses who were not listed? We would appreciate your help in recruiting them as a member, to help grow the Chamber network and strengthen “Your Chamber”. We have some great articles from the business community and a directory of Chamber members. We hope you continue to do business with your fellow members and support the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce. We continue to be the clearinghouse of business information and resources. We provide area information to locals and visitors concerning businesses and attractions. Last year, the InBusiness was distributed to Chamber members, which included our area lodging to put in rooms and lobbies, universities and area hospitals/clinics for their waiting rooms. If you have an expo, business seminar, workshop or other opportunity to utilize the InBusiness Magazine, please give the Chamber office a call. If you would like to have additional copies of the InBusiness Magazines at your business, please help by picking up your InBusiness magazines from the Chamber office. The InBusiness is always available online at www.Keweenaw.org on the homepage.
Work on the 2018 Edition has begun! Do you have suggestions for an article? Do you have business or event photos from the area, please call the Daily Mining Gazette at 906.482.1500!
More information on all of the following events can be found here. http://keweenaw.org/events/calendar/
Submit your events here‌ http://keweenaw.org/events/public-submission
Hot Deals
Job Postings
www.keweenaw.org/hotdeals/
www.keweenaw.org/jobs
Anyone can submit hot deals they are free for Chamber Members and a small fee for non members. Call the Chamber for a pricing list. 906.482.5240
All Chamber Members can submit for free a job opening through the Member Information Center which is found here: http://www.keweenaw.org/login/
902 College Avenue Houghton, MI 49931
Phone: 906.482.5240 Fax: 906.482.5241 Email: info@keweenaw.org Business Hours Monday thru Friday 9 am to 5:00pm
The Chamber is a proud Member of the
www.keweenaw.org www.facebook.com/Keweenaw.Chamber
The Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary organization of business professionals from Houghton and Keweenaw Counties, who have joined together for the purpose of promoting the economic well-being of the business community in the Keweenaw Peninsula. The Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce has a major impact on business, income, and future growth of the area. There are two primary functions of a Chamber of Commerce: •The Chamber acts as a clearing house for business information and as spokesperson for the business, industrial and professional community and translates into action the group thinking of its members. •The Chamber provides specific services of a type that can be most effectively rendered by a community organization both to its members and to the community as a whole.
Visibility Opportunities Looking for a way to get your advertising message out to a fresh new crowd? The Chamber newsletter has a printed circulation of more the 120 local businesses. We can accept print-ready ads or build an ad for you…just ask for details. Email advertising is also available and reaches 1,700 email addresses! Newsletter and email advertising gets proven results – let us help you grow your business today! The deadline is the 20th of the month for the next month’s newsletter. For example, December 20 is the deadline for an ad in the January newsletter. Call us with questions! Ad rates per issue: Full page ½ page ¼ page 1/8 page Email campaign
$100 $ 75 $ 50 $ 25 $ 25
A Special Thank You to our top chamber partners!
REMINDER‌
As always, we are continuing to strengthen the core programs of the Chamber of Commerce and have some great committees in place. I would like to encourage all of our Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce members to reach out to other businesses to join and support the areas business community. We welcome Chamber members to be actively engaged in recently identified volunteer opportunities. We would love to engage some retired business people in the community as well. The more involvement and engagement, the more exciting opportunities “Your Chamber� can provide. Please contact the Chamber office at 482-5240.