Biz Blast

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Our Mission: To support commerce and provide leadership to enhance the quality of life
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1st Annual Holiday Parade
Show your holiday spirit and community cheer by entering Charlevoix's 1st Annual Holiday Parade.  The parade will be held on Friday, November 25th at 5:30pm on Bridge Street in downtown.

The parade is a welcome addition to Charlevoix's annual Community Tree Lighting festivities which run the same day from 3:00 to 6:00pm.  Tree Lighting activities include ornament making and free photos with Santa at the North Pole (located at the Charlevoix Circle of Arts), cookies, cocoa, and more yuletide cheer than you can shake a stick at.

There will be a teddy bear parade in which children can march with their favorite furry friend..  Does your dog play well with others and have a holiday themed costume?  If so, you may enter your companion in the canine costume parade.

Let's make the Community Parade a cherished tradition that will continue for years to come.  Contact the Chamber today or click here for an Entry Form.

We're Back Up and Running!
Between the dates of October 24th to November 4th the Charlevoix Chamber experienced some technical difficulties with our e-mail system. If you tried to get ahold of us and received an error message please be aware that our e-mail has not changed, but that our server was down. If you tried getting a hold of us and did not receive a response back by today please try and get a hold of us again. We appreciate your patience!

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Doug DeYoung - Your Legislative Expert
Lansing is a happening place! Do you have questions about how current legislative topics are being addressed and how they will affect you? If so, contact Doug DeYoung, Director of Government Relations of the Northern Michigan Regional Chamber Alliance at 231.995.7109 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit the new Alliance Blog for the latest news and updates.

Headlines from today's report include:

Legislature to Attack Unemployment Insurance Debt
Later this week, the State House and Michigan Senate are expected to begin hearing testimony on solutions to Michigan's unemployment insurance crisis. The Michigan Chamber will be testifying in support of efforts to comprehensively address repayment of the over $3.5 billion Michigan owes to the federal government for it's 100 percent employer-financed Unemployment Insurance (UI) Trust Fund. Left unchecked, reimbursements of these borrowed funds, plus interest, will automatically trigger higher, across-the-board, state and federal UI tax increases on employers for years to come.

Restoring the financial solvency of the UI trust fund, with a focus on lasting cost-saving reforms, is a top priority for the Michigan Chamber. Historically, the Michigan Chamber has acted proactively and aggressively in such debates, upholding board policy in support of preserving the financial solvency of the UI Trust Fund. 

Due to the size and scope of the debt, and the impending state and federal tax increase, doing nothing isn't an option. The Michigan Chamber will voice support for strong cost-saving reform measures, including:

. Vigorous work search requirements;
. Increased recovery of fraudulent payments and other overpayments;
. Increased disqualification events;
. A higher burden of proof on claimants; and
. Measures to require claimants to accept reasonable job offers or risk losing benefits.

The Chamber will also support bonding for the $3.5 billion debt, which will allow Michigan to repay the federal loan and replace state and federal penalties with a new bond assessment.

Please contact Wendy Block, Director of Health Policy and Human Resources, with questions at 517/371-7678 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

Senate to Begin Work on Workers' Compensation Legislation
The Senate Reforms, Restructuring and Reinventing Committee is slated to begin testimony on legislation to update, clarify and modernize Michigan's workers' compensation law. House Bill 5002, which passed out of the full House last week, is a fair compromise bill, balancing the needs of injured workers and employers who finance the system.

HB 5002 seeks to address a long-standing problem with Michigan's workers' compensation system, mainly that the result of each case largely depends on what judge hears it. This has led to inconsistency, confusion and ambiguities for injured workers and high premiums for job providers. HB 5002 would put an end to the madness and flip-flopping.

Specifically, HB 5002:

. Clarifies the definition of "personal injury" to ensure that compensation is available to individuals with injuries that arise out of and in the course of employment and that personal injuries not connected to employment are not compensable.

. Clarifies the definition of "disability," "wage earning capacity," and "wage loss." The goal of the workers' compensation system is to return injured workers to the workplace when they are able. HB 5002 specifies that partially injured workers have a duty to seek work and try to reattach themselves with the workplace. If the claimant deliberately elects not to actively seek work - or refuses jobs that are reasonably available - he or she would see a reduction in his or her benefits..

. Acknowledges advancements in medical technology by allowing medical implants to be taken into account when evaluating the use of body members. Michigan's 100 year-old statute does not contemplate medical implants or replacements. So despite a successful joint replacement surgery that was paid for by the employer, a loophole exists in the law that allows a person to collect weekly wage benefits even after being made whole medically. HB 5002 fixes this unfair loophole.

. Allows for coordination of benefits between individuals eligible for employer-provided pension or retirement benefits and workers' comp benefits. Coordination of benefits already exists between employer-provided pension/retirement benefits and workers' comp benefits. HB 5002 prohibits an eligible individual from postponing retirements so to avoid coordination, putting him or her in a better position than a similarly positioned pensioner.

Significant efforts were made in the House to address the concerns raised by various interest groups, but personal injury attorneys and labor unions still strongly oppose this legislation. 

The Michigan Chamber will remain aggressively involved in this issue as it moves forward, urging lawmakers to support this important legislation.

For further information, visit the Michigan Chamber Briefing Center, or contact Wendy Block at 517/371-7678 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

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Ace Hardware
20% off all regularly priced bird feed, dog & cat food, some exceptions apply

Beacon Dental Center
FREE EXAM -Dr. Sullivan will provide a free exam to any fellow chamber members

Bergmann Center
15% off all purchases at the resale shop

Castle Farms
$1 off Self-Guided Tours for Adults or Seniors (65+). FREE Season Pass available (good through end of year) after purchase of one Self-Guided Tour.

Elements
10% off regularly priced merchandise

Fox Motors
10% off parts & service  

Harbor View Cafe
Order one entree, and get 1/2 off second entree of equal or lesser value

Keweenaw Excursions
$10 off adult ticket - Ride the Star!  

M. Chris Leese Photography
10% off services

Northern Michigan Sports Medicine Center of Charlevoix
1/2 off our "Get Moving Program." Workout for only $20 a month

Northwest Heating & Air
10% off 1st hour service call (labor only) - call 231.547.4607

The Peacock Salon & Boutique
15% off all in store boutique items- call 231.237.1421

Pine River Books
10% off regularly priced merchandise

Randall Chiropractic & Nutrition Center
25% off new patient visits or 10% off nutritional products

Round Lake Book Store
10% off regularly priced merchandise

Revolution Bike & Boards
10% off regularly priced merchandise

South Side Health & Fitness
25% off monthly membership

Discounts and offers are subject to change. Some restrictions apply.

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Beaver Island Boat Company
Ms. Margo Marks
103 Bridge Park Dr, Charlevoix
www.bibco.com
231.547.2311

The Beaver Island Boat Company (BIBCO)  has been doing business since 1984. The Beaver Island Boat Company stated that "Charlevoix's beauty and natural waterway is the best part of being here. Passing under the drawbridge and waving to people along the boardwalk is an essential experience in Charlevoix and we are happy to be part of it! We enjoy meeting the visitors to Charlevoix and Beaver Island as well as working with local business to help the Charlevoix community succeed!"  When asked why they chose the field that they work in, the BIBCO said, "ferry service has been a lifeline for Beaver Island. We are privileged to not only bring passengers, cars and pets to Beaver Island, but also so many of life's essentials." When commenting on something left on their bucket list, the BIBCO jokingly stated, "as a company, we would love to find a way to control Mother Nature so we can always have the best weather conditions, but that might be a long shot!"

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WATCH
Water & Air Team Charlevoix
Ms. Michelle Rick-BIddick
07510 Dalton Rd, Charlevoix
231.224.6116
www.watchinc.org

Charlevoix County News
Mr. Dave Baragrey
101 Water St, Boyne City
231.330.8062
www.charlevoixcountynews.com

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Charlevoix Cinema, Inc.
Mr. Scott Keinath
107 W. Antrim, Charlevix 
231.547.4353

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Below are a tid-bit and trivia tip that may just help you at your next networking event or Jeopardy appearance...

• • Americans eat roughly 535 million pounds of turkey on Thanksgiving.
  • In 1929, the Michigan State Police established the first state police radio system in the world.

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Shoppers Needed- Youth Craft Show
On Saturday, November 19th from 1-3pm the Charlevoix Public LIbrary will be hosting their annual winter Youth Craft Show. Come and support the young artists of Charlevoix! For mroe information contact 231.547.2651

FREE VETERANS BREAKFAST AT NORTH CENTRAL MICHIGAN COLLEGE
Veterans and their families are invited to a free breakfast at the North Central Michigan College cafeteria on Friday, November 11, from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m.  The college's Student Veterans Association and Chase Bank are sponsoring the event to show appreciation to our local veterans and their families. No reservations are necessary.

Stafford Weathervanes 4th Annual Neighbors in Need
Staffords Weathervane will be will be delivering full Turkey dinners to those in need this Thanksgiving. They anticipate distributing 40-50 dinners this year. IN order to feed these families the Weathervane needs your help! Weather it is a small donation or a full turkey dinner, every  donation is appreciated. For more information contact Jeff Sprecksell at 231.547.4311

Veterans Memorial Service
There will be a service at Veteran's Park in Charlevoix at 11 o'clock on the 11th. We intend to dedicate the new plaque and will have a wreath laying and firing party.

Turkey Trot
Charlevoix Area Hospital and Harbor Health and Fitness Center are co-hosting a Thanksgiving Day TURKEY TROT 5K Run/Walk on Thursday, November 24, 2011.  Registration begins at 8:00 am at Charlevoix Area Hospital, 14700 Lake Shore Drive with the race starting promptly at 8:30 am.  The goal of this collaborative effort is to encourage the community to get out and exercise with family and friends before sitting down to that "BIG MEAL" while helping out local food pantries. There will be a $5.00 entry fee which includes a commemorative TURKEY TROT shirt and donation of a non-perishable food item.  Entry forms can be picked up in advance at Harbor Health and Fitness Center, 110 Clinton Street in Charlevoix, or obtained online at www.cah.org.  Please contact Heather Parrish This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Michelle Hines This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for further information.

IT'S HUNTING SEASON at Castle Farms
November 15-30, with hunters out in the woods, The Castle invites you to indulge in a Royal Quest for knowledge, pleasure, and treasure! Wander our spectacular grounds and gardens, view the majestic stone buildings, marvel at historic museum collections. After your tour, be sure and stop by The Castle's Gift Shop to do some hunting of your own . for the perfect Christmas gift, that is! Mention this ad, and receive $1 off an Adult or Senior self-guided tour Nov. 15-30. Castle Farms of Charlevoix, open Monday - Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm. Tour hours may vary due to special events; please call ahead to verify.

Gifts With a Purpose
Are you looking for the perfect holiday gift for that "impossible-to -buy-for" person on your list. Charlevoix Gifts with a Purpose  Alternative Giving Event just might be your answer!  Don't buy another gift that will just disappear into the back of a closet. Instead make a donation to a local nonprofit and give the gift that gives twice. On Saturday, December 3 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM thirteen local nonprofits will be on hand in the community room at the Charlevoix Public Library to share their mission and message and accept your donations in return for an alternative gift card that you can present to the person you have chosen to honor. The nonprofits participating are: B.A.S.E.S. Teen Center, Bergmann Center, Inc., Charlevoix Area Community Pool, Charlevoix Community Food Pantry, Charlevoix Historical Society, Charlevoix Area Hospice Foundation, Charlevoix Area Human Society, Charlevoix Community Christmas Project, Charlevoix Schools Enrichment Foundation, Friends of the Charlevoix Public Library, Hospice of Northwest Michigan, Keep Charlevoix Beautiful and 3rdDay Fellowship and Outreach Food Pantry. Each nonprofit will have a giving range, so everyone, from children to people on a fixed budget, can find the perfect gift! Who would you buy for: your child's classroom teacher, piano teacher, scout leader; the office grab-a-gift, your great uncle who has everything, your boss or co-worker? The list is endless and all funds raised stay local! Please plan to attend Charlevoix Gifts with a Purpose, and help make a difference in your community!!

Free Haircuts For Christmas!
For the fourth year in a row, Jim Flis, owner of Swans Cove Lake Spa and Salon, will provide Free Haircuts during Dec. 1 - Dec. 23 for the first 50 callers who are unemployed or Underemployed!

So if you are in need of a haircut but can't find it in your budget, please call 231 544-9974 for your appointment.

In 2010 Swans Cove gave away to charity just over $2,800. Most of that money went to our ongoing fundraising program [check it out on our 16 page website] and the rest went to our free haircutting Christmas program.  A grand total last year of
76 free haircuts were given out to people in need. Please past the word, we won't turn anyone away.

AKtion Club of Charlevoix is Holding a Blanket Drive
AKtion Club of Charlevoix, a community service club sponsored by Kiwanis and Bergmann Center is holding a blanket drive.  With winter coming, club members know there are many people who could use an extra blanket to help keep warm.  AKtion Club is collecting new blankets from anyone who would like to participate.  Drop boxes are located inside of City Hall and Bergmann Center's Resale Shop at 8888 Ance Road both in Charlevoix.  Blankets need to be new and warm. 
AKtion Club will give the blankets to area agencies such as Moms and Tots in Ellsworth and Department of Human Services in Petoskey who can distribute them to families in need.  AKtion Club has held three blanket drives in the past and feels they have been very successful.  The clubs goal is to collect at least 50 new blankets this year.  Club members also have a fun time by purchasing fleece and making tied blankets to donate.
The AKtion club will be collecting blankets now through November 28, 2011.  The goal is to give back to the community and better the world one child at a time.  If you have any further questions, please contact Kim Brock at 231-547-2979 ext 11 or see an AKtion Club Member.  Thank You in advance for your support!

GLCO Presents "String Music - Old and New" at Castle Farms
Sunday, November 13, 4:00 p.m. at Castle Farms

Program:  Mozart - Serenata Notturna, K. 239, William Walton - Two selections from the film Henry V, Finzi -  Eclogue for Piano and Strings featuring pianist Matthew Hazelwood, Arranger Michi Wincko -  Variations on La Folia           

Admission: Advance ticket sales - $14 at Treatickets.com or call 231-487-0010. Tickets are $15 at the door.

Pre-Concert private guided Historical Tours of Castle Farms are available at a reduced rate of $7 by calling the GLCO office at 231-487-0010 and making reservations. These tours will begin at 2:30 p.m. Reserve seats will be held for Tour Participants. Students age 18 and under, active military and people with disabilities are admitted free.

Commission on Aging Board Openings
The Charlevoix County Commission on Aging Advisory Board has two openings in the Charlevoix area as of January 1, 2012.  Members of the community who have an interest in the well being of County seniors and supporting their caregivers are encouraged to apply.Particularly encouraged to apply are those with interest, experience or education in developing community awareness and messaging and/or who desire to serve in a leadership capacity including board chair.

Interested citizens can print an expression of interest form from the Commissioners page at the County website (charlevoixcounty.org) or by calling 547-0866 (COA board chair) or 237-0103 (COA director).  Mail the interest form to 218 W Garfield, Charlevoix, or fax to 547-0873.  Please contact us as soon as possible; the COA Board will be making recommendations to County Commissioners by the end of November. Call 547-0866 with questions.

The next Fit-4-Life session begins: Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 12:00pm.
If you are among the 25 million Americans that are overweight or obese, your risks for death and disability are significantly higher. In addition, you are most likely coping with ongoing pain, fatigue, difficulty moving, sleep deprivation, or other obstacles to a vibrant, healthy life.  Each year that passes without taking charge of your health is an opportunity missed - an opportunity to feel good, enjoy greater energy, and feel less stressed.  Charlevoix Area Hospital's Fit-4-Life Program empowers you with all the tools needed to embrace wellness. You'll experience first hand the benefits of healthy living.  This 16-week program meets every week for 90 minutes on Tuesday afternoons from 12-1:30pm at Charlevoix Area Hospital. Total cost for the program is $240.

Each class includes exercise and education.  Our medical wellness experts will guide you into setting specific yet achievable goals for your personal health and well-being. You will benefit from the individualized feedback provided to you.  We keep our class size small to ensure that you receive quality, personalized care. For more information please call Kathy Jacobsen RN at (231) 547- 8906 or Shannon Pemble PT at (231) 547- 8899.

Charlevoix Chamber Members Invited to BRIM 2011

BRIM or "Bringing Relentless Innovation to Michigan" is an upcoming interactive event for Michigan businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. On Thursday, November 10, 2011 Traverse City-based digital marketing agency, Oneupweb will host BRIM 2011 with the help from other leading businesses, marketing educators and successful entrepreneurs. In fact Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce COO, Laura Oblinger is a featured BRIM 2011 panelist.

This event will deliver inspiration, education and networking as it will consist of three riveting Q&A panel discussions, a social hour and an engaging pitch session with the Northern Michigan Angels in conjunction with the BlueWater Angels.

For more information contact Hillary Burnes at 231.922.9977 X 148

JERSEY DESIGN CONTEST

The Charlevoix/Emmet County Bike4BreastCancer Ride will celebrate its 10th Anniversary on Saturday, June 16, 2012.  To help us commemorate this milestone, we are redesigning our jersey and are putting it to the students in our area to come up with something special.

The contest is open to anyone age 14 to 21, and can be a high school or college student.  They must be attending school in Charlevoix or Emmet County, or in the case of a college student be from this area, and a graphic arts background is recommended.  Submissions will be taken through November 15, 2011, at which time a winner will be announced.  The design needs to be submitted in a vector format to be able to be reproduced on the jersey.

The winning designer will receive $100, their name will be on the jersey, and they will be given one as well.   Any and all promotion of the jersey will identify them as the artist.

If you are interested in participating, please contact Sue Morris at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Color samples, prior design and a schematic will be provided at that time.

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Nov 9 Tango Lessons, Two Left Feet Dance Instruction, 6pm, www.charlevoixdance.com

Nov 10 Story Time with Miss Laura, Charlevoix Public Library, 10:30, 231.547.2651, www..charlevoixlibrary.org

Nov 11 Create Your Holiday Mailing Lables, Charlevoix Public Library, 10:30, 231.547.2651, www.charlevoixlibrary.org

Nov 12 Saturday Story Time, Charlevoix Public Library, 10:30, 231.547.2651, www.charlevoixlibrary.org

Nov 16 Business After Hours, Grey Gables, 5-7, 231.547.2101, www.charlevoix.org

Nov 16 Tango Lessons, Two Left Feet Dance Instruction, 6pm, www.charlevoixdance.com

Nov 17 Story Time with Miss Laura, Charlevoix Public Library, 10:30, 231.547.2651, www.charlevoixlibrary.org

Nov 17 Artist in Action: Punch Needle Rug Techniques, Charlevoix Public Library, 2pm, 231.547.2651, www.charlevoixlibrary.org

Nov 19 Winter Your Craft Show, 1pm, Charlevoix Public Library, 231.547.2651, www.charlevoix.org

Nov 19 Eighth Annual Advent Tea, 1pm, Christ Episcopal Church, 231.547.9616

Nov 21 Thanksgiving Holiday Farmers Market, 10am-2pm, Charlevoix Public Library, 231.547.2101, www.charlevoix.org

Nov 23 Tango Lessons, Two Left Feet Dance Instruction, 6pm, www.charlevoixdance.com

Nov 24 Story Time with Miss Laura, Charlevoix Public Library, 10:30, 231.547.2651, www.charlevoixlibrary.org

Nov 25 Community Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Parade, 5pm, 231.547.2101, www..charlevoix.org

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Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce
109 Mason Street . Charlevoix, Michigan  49720 . 231.547.2101
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . www.charlevoix.org

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2011 Board of Directors:
Elizabeth Rich, Harbor View Cafe & Villa Moderne; Kim Swidorski, Harbor Industries; Don Jess, Charlevoix Insurance Agency; Edith Pair, Ellair Gallery; Alicia Mosher, Prudential Preffered Properties; Dr. Rick Randall, Randall Chiropractic Clinic; Mark Greyerbiehl, Ace Hardware; Harry Golski, Young, Graham, Elsenheimer & Wendling, P.C.; Steve Seely, Wells Fargo Advisors; Sherm Chamberlain, Ferguson & Chamberlain Associates; Pat McKeown, McKeown Enterprises, Inc.

Government Relations:
Doug DeYoung, Director of Government Relations of the Northern Michigan Regional Chamber Alliance; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 231.995.7109 

Your Chamber Staff:
Erin Bemis, President; Shelly Ferguson, Festival/Finance Manager; Bethany Pearson, Information Specialist; Mishelle Shooks, Leadership Charlevoix County Program Coordinator

Please note: You are receiving this email as part of the Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce mass distribution list. If you no longer wish to receive these updates, please email: REMOVE to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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