News

We are just hours away from “Spring Break 2015” here in Northern Michigan. After the winter’s harsh, cold temperatures I think we have record numbers of people heading for warm temperatures and sunshine in the south. For those heading out, safe travels and have fun! Be ready to come back to the “Spring Treadmill” as we then look forward to Memorial Day weekend and the beginning of our “summer season”. For those of us staying behind for the break time- there is plenty to do and explore in our area. Be a “tourist” in your own town – its surprising how much we have to offer. Since most of us are so busy with our daily schedules, we don’t have time to visit some of the wonderful attractions, businesses or even eat out at our restaurants and really relax with our family and friends at dinner. Take a “stay-cation” in your own town, post it on Facebook to your friends and connections – great way to help promote our area to others. So when they are up here visiting this tourist season, they can explore the places you posted.

I spoke at our East Jordan Rotary Club on Tuesday and enjoyed meeting with club members, hearing about upcoming Rotary projects, events, etc. Reminder to everyone before you leave town to please submit your “Father of the Year” nominations to the Rotary Club. There are many gentlemen in East Jordan that deserve this award. Look around our community, I am confident you will see one or more to nominate. It was a pleasure presenting to the Rotarians all the activities, programs and projects happening at the Chamber. I always enjoy being able to promote our organizations and members. If your club or organization would like me to present an update, please contact me at the Chamber Office (536-7351). Also, with the summer season approaching, please keep in mind that I am also very interested in working with our service industry businesses, municipalities, etc. on customer service training. Again, please contact me for more info.

Lastly, Leadership Charlevoix County is looking for a Program Coordinator. Please see article with job description and application details in this e-newsletter. Please feel free to contact me with any questions on this position.

Happy Spring Break to All!!

***Did you get your 2015-16 Visitor Guide/Membership Directory ad into us before you leave?

The Chamber Office has seen an increase in foot traffic, phone calls and inquires now that the harsh winter weather is leaving us. I am hearing from many different sources that this summer is looking to be extremely busy with first time and repeat visitors from all over the globe. Proof that our PURE Michigan program continues to be successful. I attended a meeting last week and had the opportunity to meet our new PURE Michigan director David West. David is extremely passionate about Michigan and has already implemented many new advertising and promotional ideas to the PURE Michigan department. His presentation was very inspiring and made you want to tell everyone you could about how great Michigan is to live, work and play in!

Another reminder…please make sure to send in your Visitor Guide/Membership Directory ad copy and update information. We are having fun already working with this years theme “Adventure”.

I just came back from our City Hall here in East Jordan where I watched the filming of “Jack’s Journal” with Jack O’Malley interviewing Tom Sheridan and Denny Jesiek on the construction of “The Hum” replica. What a wonderful story and such a beautiful way to celebrate and tell the story about a very important part of our history.It was such a joy to listen to and watch Tom and Denny as they discussed how they embarked on the project, constructing the replica in the Sheridan’s basement last winter, the 1000+ hours they have invested in making this awesome replica a reality and the research they conducted on the history of “The Hum” and how vital a role it played to residents and visitors to East Jordan long before the automobile and roads arrived. What struck me most over and over during this interview today and any of the times I have spoken with Tom and Denny about this project – was their PASSION…so dedicated, so excited, so driven, so committed. What a great example these two gentleman present…so I guess the big question of the day is… what is my passion? What is your passion? What drives you? What can you or I do to make a difference or give back to make our community a better place? What in 2015 can I do to make a positive contribution back to my town to improve our quality of life?

Be sure to watch and celebrate Tom and Denny’s interview which will be aired on Monday, March 23, on the 6:00 PM news on TV 9 &10.

Thank you Tom and Denny for sharing your passion and talent. Your donation of “The Hum” to the City of East Jordan was a generous gift and a guarantee that the history of this boat will be remembered. “The Hum” is on display at East Jordan City Hall, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, be sure to stop in and check it out.