News

We are midway through Spring Break 2015 and it is pretty obvious a lot of our residents are taking advantage of the time off to escape to warmer temperatures and sunshine. The Chamber Office is busy working on the 2015-16 Visitors Guide/Membership Directory, letters for Music in the Park and finalizing details for the 18th Annual Chamber Spring Golf Outing on Friday, June 5th at the Mallard Golf Club. A lot of work happening at this office, along with a little spring cleaning.

Speaking of Music in the Park…the committee has lined up a fantastic venue for Summer 2015, starting with the very much in demand “The Accidentals” on Friday, June 12th. Get to the park early for this kick-off concert. This group is extremely popular and has a tremendous following around our state. The concert series will run from June 12th to August 7th. The line up includes:

Hope your are able to get out and enjoy the beginning of spring sometime this week! Keep trying to enjoy a bit of a “stay-cation” while working!  We all need to “re-charge” after our long, cold winter and be ready to launch into a busy tourist season!

If you are spring cleaning the this week, don’t forget about the “6th Annual Garage Sales Across the Breezeway”, Friday and Saturday May 22-23, Great way to earn some summer vacation money, great opportunity for clubs, churches or organizations to raise money with sales, events (car washes, etc). This annual event attracts people from throughout the region and state. Be creative! Think of how you can benefit from this fun Memorial Day weekend event!

  Have a wonderful rest of your week! Happy Easter and Happy Spring!

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.

With February ushering itself out on Saturday, our thoughts are quickly turning to SPRING, warm weather, sunshine and increased activity both at our businesses and homes.

The Chamber staff has already began working with North Bays Design on our 11th Visitor Guide/Membership Directory. Please watch your mail for information on ad placement, update info cards, etc. We are so excited to be working on articles, gathering photos (if you have any photos of people, places and events you would be willing to share, please send them to info@ejchamber.org) and adding new members to our organization. If you know of a business, organization, church or individual that is not a member of our Chamber, please let us know so we may contact them regarding the many benefits of being a Chamber member.

And just to remind you “our members” your member benefits include…

Member Benefits of the East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce
EXPOSURE FOR YOUR BUSINESS

• Web Site Listing with unlimited categories
• FREE to link to your site from the Chamber site
• Visitor Guide & Business Directory – FREE listing (one category)
• Brochure, business cards, flyer display 24/7 at the Chamber Office
• Business news, events, award recognition, etc. In Chamber weekly “e-capsule” newsletters
• Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
• Sponsorship Opportunities
• Area Literature distributed at State Welcome Centers
• Welcome Bags in East Jordan and Ellsworth for special events
• Member of the Month Business Spotlight
• Joint Partnership with Ellsworth and Atwood business communities
• Dual Membership with Boyne City Chamber

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & PUBLIC AFFAIRS

• Economic Development – Involvement with Jordan Valley e-Team
• Associate Member of the Northwest Michigan Chamber Alliance
• Membership/training
• Leadership on Local, Area, Regional Committees Events & Boards, Paddle Antrim Inc. and administrative arm of Breezeway Task Force
• Government Advocacy on City, County, State and Federal Levels
• Co-Sponsor of “Leadership Charlevoix County”
• How to Really Start a Business Class locations in East Jordan and Ellsworth
• Member Small Chamber Alliance
• Partner of “Music in the Park” concert series

NETWORKING

• Business After Hours Series – FREE admission & sponsorship opportunities
• East Jordan “Off the Cuff” series
• Annual Chamber Dinner/Auction/Awards
• Chamber Special Events – (Golf Outing, Countywide Business After Hours, Celebrity Dinner, Pumpkin Festival/Leaf Peeker Craft Show, Community Night)
• Committee Participation
• Ambassador & Junior Ambassador Program
• Community Updates
• Business Workshops
• Sponsor of “State of the Community” Forums for East Jordan & Ellsworth
• Customer Service/Hospitality Training

INFORMATION

• Club, Church, Organization Bi-Annual Update Meetings
• Communications (mail, e-mail, walk-in, phone)
•  Professional Development/Business Services
• Your Chamber Office is located in the Main Street Center – open year-round – full time
• Business Counseling – S.C.O.R.E. & Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA)
• Referrals – Members promoted to phone, mail and walk-in inquires
• One-On-One Business Counseling
• Business Resource Library at Jordan Valley District Library
• Downtown Business Open House

Congratulations to the Sno-Blast 2015 Winners:

2015 Belle of the Blizzard – Gretchen Bender & 2015 Winter Knight – Brandon Marr

2015 Belle of the Blizzard – Gretchen Bender
2015 Winter Knight – Brandon Marr

Poster Contest:
Neatness – Kamryn Webb
Best Incorporation of Events – Jaden Harris
Most Creative – Skylar Barnett

Sno-Sculpture Contest:
1st Place – The Zone Sports Lounge
2nd Place – Mary Uy
3rd Place (tie) – The Argetsiner Family
3rd Place (tie) – Missy Yawn

Thank you to everyone that attended the 2015 Sno-Blast Events, Supported our candidates and a special thank you to our event sponsors.
East Jordan Rotary Club
East Jordan Sno-Mobiler’s Club
East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce
Essence Hair Salon
BC Pizza of East Jordan
Darlene’s Restaurant
Tom’s Bait & Tackle
Mancelona Motorplex

Softball in the Snow Winners – 2015

We know snowmobile racers want to race, so due to the lack of snow in East Jordan we will move the Radar Runs & Drag Races to a track in Mancelona MI. (Valley Rd) Saturday, February 7, 2015 9:00 AM – Drag Race Registration, 10:30 – 11:30 -Radar Run/Test & Tune, 12:00 PM – Snowmobile Drag Races. Drivers must be 16 years old with valid drivers license and parent/guardian signature. Trophies awarded. For race questions: Tim Bingham 231-587-4807, Kevin Giar 231-533-8810 or 231-620 2292. Please spread the word. All other Sno-Blast events will take place as planned, so be sure to stop at the E.J. Sno-Mobiler’s Club House for the Antique Snowmobile Show & 2nd annual Blessing of the Sleds

WE NEED YOUR RESERVATIONS AND AUCTION ITEMS NOW for the Chamber Annual Dinner/Meeting/Auction/Awards!!!
Don’t be left out of the largest networking event of the year! Saturday, January 31st at Castle Farms.

Thank you to the following event sponsors thus far: Sponsorship’s still available.

GOLD SPONSORS
Burnette Foods, Inc.
Charlevoix State Bank
EJ
East Jordan Plastics, Inc.

SILVER SPONSORS
The Insurance Shop
Poineau Woodworking

It’s hard to believe we are only eight days away from Christmas! At least the light snow we are receiving today makes it feel like winter!

Our Chamber Office is in full gear preparing for the Chamber Annual Mtg, Auction, Dinner and Awards, January 31, 2015 at Castle Farms. Thank you to those businesses who have already donated an item or committed to a sponsorship for the event. Invitations are ready to go in the mail on Monday, January 5th. The plans for the 34th Annual Sno-Blast Winter Festival are also well underway. Several events will be returning including the Snow-Sculpture Competition, Belle of the Blizzard and Winter Knight, Chili Supper, Poster Contest and back by popular demand,Radar Run/Test & Tune, Snowmobile Drag Racing. Dates for the Sno-Blast 2015 are February 6 &7, 2015.

From the East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Shannon and I – Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Holidays to you and yours. Thank you for a wonderful 2014. Looking forward to a fabulous 2015!

The Chamber Office will be closed on December 24, 25 & 26 for Christmas and January 1 & 2 for New Years.

The Holiday fun continues tonight, December 10th in Ellsworth at the 9th Annual Wooden Shoe Festival held at the Banks Township Hall. The festivities will be from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM. Make plans to join Banks Township Citizen of the Year,Larry Essenberg for the lighting of the Community Tree. There will be caroling with the Pine Lake Winds Band and you can enjoy free pizza made by A Matter of Taste, a kids craft, hot chocolate bar with cookies and more. The night would not be complete without a fabulous balloon creation from Twister Joe – Balloon Artist Extraordinaire.

Join the Bruce Family and Mi Farm Market as they celebrate the grand opening of their new warehouse (9525 Lake Street, Ellsworth) this Thursday night, December 11th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. It will be a great time to see what’s new for holiday gift arrangements and to find out what MI Farm Market has been up to this past year.

Santa will also be making a few stops in the area this weekend. The Jolly Old Elf will make his first stop at the Banks Township Hall on Saturday morning, December 13th for the Ellsworth Lioness Breakfast with Santa. Santa will join the kids for a full breakfast and follow up with photos with Mrs. Claus and the kids, as well as handing out a stuffed toy to each child. Santa will then make his way to East Jordan on Saturday night, December 13th to great the kids at the Tourist Park Building. Refreshments and a warm fire will be part of the evening and be sure to drive through the park to view the Christmas Light Displays. Santa Claus will also be in East Jordan on Sunday, December 14th in the morning at the East Jordan Sno-Mobilers Club House for breakfast. He will be there from 9:30 – 11:00 AM

Have a great weekend and enjoy the many Christmas events in the area.