January 2016 newsletter

Issue #42 January 2016

CUSTOMER SERVICE SURVEY

Photos by Chamber Staff

Keweenaw Community Sparkplug Awards Dinner RSVP Today!

Keweenaw.org/sparkplug-dinner Or 906.482.5240

Inside This Issue Letter from the Executive Director Renewing Members New Members Leadership Keweeanw Keweenaw Community Sparkplug Awards HEET Tips Events

Our Superior Partners. Thank You!

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Cheryl Fahrner, Executive Director Cheryl.Fahrner@Keweenaw.org As we ring in the New Year we wish to highlight some of the Chamber’s 2015 accomplishments …

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Regional Chamber Alliance began formal meetings (April 2015) • Selected as a top priority in 2015 for the Regional Prosperity Initiative Held Lunch & Learn Series for our members (February- April 2015) • Social Media, Mobile Websites & Google Analytics/SEO • CyberSecurity • Social Media – Facebook • Library Resources for Business Began Working with a Steering Committee for the Leadership Keweenaw Program starting August 2016 (July – December 2015) Collaborated with WUPPDR and Connect MI on Broadband (March – December 2015) • Chamber was the Community Champion. Receiving an award, as well as, Technology Action plans for both Houghton and Keweenaw Counties (plans are available at WUPPDR) • Attended the Connect MI Broadband Conference with the KCVB as panelists for Technology and Tourism session Collaborated with the KCVB on a Welcome Card (July – December 2015) • Helped promote the KCVB App with a Launch Party at the Chamber Office Collaborated with community members to host the Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference (April – October 2015) Transitioned over to a new database system, ChamberMaster (July – September 2015) Launched a NEW Website keweenaw.org (October – December 2015) Held an array of Business After Hours hosted at many Chamber Member businesses Began the new networking opportunity of Morning Brews Welcomed over 25 NEW Members!

Looking for more information on these accomplishments? We have indicated the Month, Year of each newsletter for the featured article.

KEWEENAW COMMUNITY SPARKPLUG AWARDS We wish to recognize the accomplishments of area businesses and community members for 2015 at the 4th Annual Keweenaw Community Sparkplug Awards Dinner. The Dinner is a celebration of those that are nominates and recognized by their peers, to be outstanding individuals or businesses. The Keweenaw Chamber would like to thank our collaborative partners the Keweenaw Young Professionals, Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance, MTEC SmartZone and the Keweenaw Convention & Visitor Bureau. (Please see page 1 for details on how to RSVP to the dinner, page 7 for categories to nominate your peers, and the inserted page for a nomination form.)

NEW WEBSITE The Chamber has converted our database over to new software and we are very excited for the membership. We went live December 1st, all members have the opportunity to update their membership information as often as needed. Each member that has an email on file has been emailed a login link to access and update your information, if you did not see the email please contact Trina at the Chamber office to assist you. There are great new features for our members! (please see page 6) REGIONAL CHAMBER ALLIANCE Thank you to the Iron County Chamber of Commerce for hosting their first Regional Chamber Alliance - Regional Roundtable on December 15th. The Six counties are working together to further advance the business community as a region.

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 to volunteer your time and further support “Your Chamber” – great things happen, when we all come together!

Wishing you all GREAT Business Success in 2016! Happy New Year!

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Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

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WELCOME

RENEWED!

Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce is pleased to recognize the dedication of our renewed members!

MEMBERS Board of Directors Greg Seppanen, President Vice President, Trust & Financial Services Superior National Bank and Trust gseppanen@snb-t.com

Leadership Partner! *NEW Daily Mining Gazette Superior National Bank & Trust

Brian Donnelly, Vice President

Developing Partner!

City of Hancock Koppers, Inc. Michigan Tech Employees Federal Credit Union

Community Partners!

Branch Manager River Valley Bank, Houghton bdonnelly@rivervalleybank.com

Matt Thyer, Treasurer Owner Up and Running Technology Solutions matt.thyer@uartechsolutions.com

Karin Van Dyke, Secretary

41 Lumber – Houghton 41 Lumber - Laurium Anderson Welding & Manufacturing Book Concern Printers Calumet Theatre Center Ice Skate and Sport, Inc. Chassell Township Columbia Linen Services Continental Fire Co. Copper County Habitat for Humanity Copper Country Insurance Agency Copper Country Veterinary Clinic Copper Range Abstract & Title Agency Credit Services Incorporated Cross Country Sports Crown Cleaners dba/Bucko’s Party Store D&L Janitorial Services, Inc. Dollar Bay Linoleum and Tile Company Donald Bukema, Inc. DP Construction, Inc. Eagle Harbor Inn Farmer’s & Merchant Mutual Fire Insurance Frank A. Douglass Insurance Agency Gartner’s Gallery Great Lakes Accounting, PC

Vice President for University Relations Finlandia University karin.vandyke@finlandia.edu

Jan Cole Managing Partner Edochi, LLC jancole1663@yahoo.com

Darrell Guitar Agent Century 21 / North Country Agency darrell.guitar@century21.com

Beth Hoy Assistant Director, Business & Program Development Great Lakes Research Center Michigan Technological University elizabeth@mtu.edu

Calvin Larson Marketing Specialists UP Health System – Portage clarson@portagehealth.org

Carrie Richards continued on page 4

Dual Career Program Coordinator Michigan Technological University carrie@mtu.edu

Keweenaw .org

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WELCOME

RENEWED!

MEMBERS

Ramada Waterfront R.L. Kavorik, DDS Sherwin Williams Steve Karpiak – Associate Suomi Restaurant Superior Screed Service Surplus Outlet Susie Landers – Associate U.P. Engineers & Architects, Inc. U.P. Kids Up & Running Technology Solutions UPWARD Talent Council Vollwerth & Baroni Companies Western U.P. Planning & Development Region

Great Lakes Accounting, PC Harrington Ridge Coal and Stove InSight EyeCare Keweenaw Gem & Gift, Inc. Maurices McGann Building Supply Mercy EMS, Inc. National Car Rental North Star Bp - Allouez North Star Bp - Calumet Northern Light Cottages Northwoods Sporting Goods OPG Sayen’s Business Equipment Pepsi Cola Bottling Company of Houghton Pine Mountain Music Festival Portage Lake District Library

WELCOME

MEMBER Mark Cinelli – Associate Member Mark Cinelli | Hancock, MI 49930

Minimum wage increases in 14 states New Years Day! http://www.ibtimes.com/minimum-wages-increase-14-states-new-years-day2241431?utm_medium=email&utm_source=Daily&utm_campaign=20151229++Friends+-+3701+-+Daily+Responsive++December+29%2C+2015%3A+Minimum+Wages+To+Increase+In+14+States+By+ New+Year%27s+Day&utm_content=

http://www.michig an.gov/lara/0,4601, 7-15411407_59886_2790 9-140972--,00.html The Federal Minimum Wage remains at $7.25.

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Effective Date Before September 1, 2014 September 1, 2014 January 1, 2016 January 1, 2017 January 1, 2018

Minimum Hourly Wage Rate

Tipped Employee 85% of Minimum Hourly Wage Rate Hourly Wage Rate

$7.40

$2.65

$7.25*

$8.15 $8.50 $8.90 $9.25

$3.10 $3.23 $3.38 $3.52

$7.25* $7.25* $7.57 $7.86

Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

LEADERSHIP KEWEENAW PROGRAM TO BEGIN AUGUST 2016 The Leadership Keweenaw Steering Committee is launching the Leadership Keweenaw program in August 2016 to give area businesses an opportunity to identify a key individual in their company to send through the program. This will also give companies time to hopefully put the program into their company budgets for 2016. We are encouraging companies to select and send a key employee. Large organizations and businesses may wish to commit to sending two or three individuals each year. Interested individuals may participate in this great new program which will create new, engaged leaders in your businesses and in our community! We are in need of additional financial support for the Leadership Program, please let us know if you can help. If you would like the PDF of the PowerPoint Presentation to learn more about the program, please contact the Chamber office. We had individuals step forward to help form a volunteer steering committee. I wish to thank Marilyn Clark, Devin Leonarduzzi, Dana Johnson, Cathy Lucchesi-Gedda, Kathy Flagstadt, Ruth Archer, Robbyn Lucier and Mary Jane Hatton for assisting the Chamber in bringing an important Leadership Program to the community.

Leadership Keweenaw will be collaborating with many organizations across the Keweenaw to be presenters, for a one-day, monthly session (2 days in August) from September 2016 to May 2017. The following topics and skills may be included for the leadership program.

Monthly session community awareness topics: Opening Retreat – History of Houghton/Keweenaw Counties & Business, Industry & Technology Natural Resources – (Mining, Forestry, Geo-Tourism) Government & Community Human & Public Services Legal System Education & Workforce Development Economic Development & Infrastructure Environment & Stewardship Health, Wellness & Community Service Closing Retreat The following leadership skills: Personal Leadership Styles The Art of Networking Responsibility of Leadership Social Media & Personal Branding Business Etiquette Communication & Difficult Conversations Project Management, Time Management, Event Planning Productive Meetings Negotiation

Valuing Diversity Managing & Resolving Conflict Public Speaking Situational/Strategic Leadership Performing Teams Building Consensus Creative Problem Solving Delegation Boardsmanship Personal Action Plan

The program and registration materials are available online at keweenaw.org/leadership-keweenaw. We are looking for 20 participants for this new program. If you are ready to be engaged in the Leadership Keweenaw program, please reach out to the Chamber office at (906) 482-5240.

Keweenaw .org

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New Chamber Website Views

2016 Standard Mileage Rates for Business, Medical and Moving Announced WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2016 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2016, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: • 54 cents per mile for business miles driven, down from 57.5 cents for 2015 • 19 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes, down from 23 cents for 2015 • 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations The business mileage rate decreased 3.5 cents per mile and the medical, and moving expense rates decrease 4 cents per mile from the 2015 rates. The charitable rate is based on statute.

The standard mileage rate for business is based on an annual study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. The rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs.

Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates.

A taxpayer may not use the business standard mileage rate for a vehicle after using any depreciation method under the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) or after claiming a Section 179 deduction for that vehicle. In addition, the business standard mileage rate cannot be used for more than four vehicles used simultaneously.

These and other requirements for a taxpayer to use a standard mileage rate to calculate the amount of a deductible business, moving, medical or charitable expense are in Rev. Proc. 2010-51. Notice 2016-01 contains the standard mileage rates, the amount a taxpayer must use in calculating reductions to basis for depreciation taken under the business standard mileage rate, and the maximum standard automobile cost that a taxpayer may use in computing the allowance under a fixed and variable rate plan.

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News feature is where you can submit all of your businesses press releases.

Hot Deals… Coupons… These can be offered as just Member to Member Deals or Community Deals. There is a $25 per month charge per Hot Deals. Please contact Trina at the Chamber Office for more information.

Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

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New Chamber Website Views

continued from page 6

The Member Information Center is for members only. This is where you update/change any business information, register for events, use as a social networking area, submit Hot Deals, Job Postings and Press Releases, as well as pay membership or event registrations.

One of the most beneficial features for you, our member. is the Reports Tab. It shows you the visibility of your listing on Keweeaw.org. As an example, Century 12 / North Country Agency has had their page viewed over 700 times in the past 2 ½ months. It will also give you this information if you choose to submit a Banner Ad, Hot Deal or list a Job Posting.

If you are interested in how to submit one of the above, please call Trina at the Chamber Office 482.5240.

Feeling unsure if you would like to tackle the changes on your own for the first time? We want to help, please give us a call and we will walk you through it!

Please Nominate a deserving person or business!

You may submit a separate nomination for a person or business which you feel fits more than one category.

• Growth - Company that has seen significant growth in employment and/or sales during the previous year.

• Quality / Customer Service / Teamwork - Recognized by the community, other businesses, and customers for providing top quality products/services.

• Innovation / Transformation - New or existing company pursuing new products or services that hold great promise for local economic growth and employment. Or, that has made a significant change in how they conduct business or in the products/services they offer, which has produced significant outcomes.

• Community Development - A company, person, or activity that has had significant positive impact on the business community.

• Person / Project of the Year - A high impact person or project that is notable within the community and will provide lasting benefits to businesses and community members.

• Young Person of the Year - A person under the age of 40 who made significant strides in our community and in their profession in 2015.

Find a nomination form as an insert or visit https://form.jotform.com/52986814727167 Keweenaw .org

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Superior Partner ad.

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Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

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.

Watch for your Energy Saving Tips in the Chamber Newsletter. Brought to you by the Houghton Energy Efficiency Team and their sponsoring businesses.

For more information about upcoming events, check out our calendar: http://keweenawchamber.com/events/cal endar/ 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, P.O. Box 336 Houghton, MI 49931 p. 906.482.5240 f. 906.482.5241 e. info@keweenaw.org www.keweenaw.org

www.facebook.com/Keweenaw.

Chamber

Keweenaw .org

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Chamber Member Opportunities Is your business interested in hosting a Business After Hours, being an Eggs & Issue sponsor or having a ribbon cutting? Contact Trina at the Chamber.

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, Eggs and Issue sponsors 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.

Leadership Partner ad.

We Want Your Input 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!

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Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Leadership Partner ad.

Leadership Partner ad.

Leadership Partner ad.

Keweenaw .org

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Superior Partner ad.

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Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Safe & Reliable Electricity Customer Service Proud Community Supporter

Learn more about us and how to reduce your energy bills at www.uppco.com Our roots run deep in the Keweenaw, going back to 1884, just five years after Edison’s incandescent bulb put electricity at the fingertips of people. That year, Peninsula Electric Light and Power Company was organized in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Because Peninsula Electric Light and Power was our original predecessor, you might say UPPCO grew up with the electric utility industry. From the Edison bulb to high-tech electronics, our company has been providing energy to the area and U.P. for more than 100 years.

Residential Customer Service 800-562-7680 Business Solutions 800-337-8445 Superior Partner ad.

Keweenaw .org

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Why did you join the Chamber?

Are you taking advantage of your benefits?

Contact Cheryl or Trina at the Chamber office if you have any questions about your membership or how to use your Chamber Member Benefits!

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Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Events in the Keweenaw: More information on all of the following events can be found here. http://keweenawchamber.com/events/calendar/ January 5 – Calumet Art Center Twining class with Ed Gray.

January 8 – 30 – Heikinpaiva. A Mid-Winter Finnish-American Festival in Michigan's Copper Country. Find a schedule of event on the Heikinpaiva Facebook page.

January 11 – Copper Country Toastmasters. Join us this month to learn how you can overcome the obstacles that keep you from being that better speaker. Toastmasters International has a program that encourages and supports you in your efforts. Come and see our Toastmaster members in action. There is no obligation to join.

January 12 – Hancock Business and Professional Association meeting. The HB&PA will host their monthly meeting.

January 13 – KEDA Meeting. KEDA will host their monthly meeting.

January 14 – Nordic Fill Series. Sisu: A Non-Profit Documentary about Family, Love and Perseverance from Finland to America.

January 18 – Monday Morning Coffee. Join Jason Mack and fellow entrepreneurs to learn what MTEC has to offer and share what you have been working on. Entrepreneurs and friends who like coffee, coffee cake and conversation are welcome.

January 22 – U.P. Guest Worker Strategy Session. Learn more about hiring migrant workers. Arnulfo Hinojosa, Vice President of FEWA will explain the H2A (Agricultural) and H2B (Non-Agricultural) Program and how it provides a solution to the current labor market shortage by enabling companies that qualify for the federal H2B program to acquire seasonal migrant labor to come and work for only those companies on a legal work permit.

February 1 – KYP- Food For Thought Book Club. This book club meets quarterly to discuss a new book! The book up for discussion at this meetup is The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking

by Oliver Burkeman.

Submit your events here… http://keweenawchamber.com/events/public-submission

Keweenaw .org

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902 College Avenue, P.O. Box 336 Houghton, MI 49931

p. 906.482.5240 f. 906.482.5241 e. info@keweenaw.org Business Hours Monday thru Friday 9 am to 5:30pm

The Chamber is a proud Member of the

www.keweenaw.org www.facebook.com/Keweenaw.Chamber

Visibility Opportunities

The Mission, Vision and Philosophy of the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce: The MISSION of the Keweenaw Chamber of 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.

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 200 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 1,600 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

Keweenaw Community “Sparkplug Awards�

Nomination Form Name of Nominee: Nominee is a current member of (check all that apply) Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce

Keweenaw Young Professionals

Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau

Unknown

Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance Sparkplug Award to be nomination for (circle one): You may submit a separate nomination for a person or business in each category you feel they fit more than one category.

Growth - Company that has seen significant growth in employment and/or sales during the previous year.

Quality / Customer Service / Teamwork - Recognized by the community, other businesses, and customers for providing top quality products/services.

Innovation / Transformation - New or existing company pursuing new products or services that hold great promise for local economic growth and employment. Or, that has made a significant change in how they conduct business or in the products/services they offer, which has produced significant outcomes in terms of revenue or employment.

Community Development - A company, person, or activity that has had significant positive impact on the business community.

Person / Project of the Year - A high impact person or project that is notable within the community and will provide lasting benefits to businesses and community members.

Young Person of the Year - A person under the age of 40 who made significant strides in our community and in their profession in 2015.

Nomination Reason: (Please describe in 200-400 words why this above person/business/project should be receiving an award.) Please use the back or a separate sheet of paper if more room is needed.

Please return completed form(s) to the Chamber no later than January 23, 2016.

Address: Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce Email: PO Box 336, Houghton, MI 49931

Trina.Barrette@Keweenaw.org