March 2016 newsletter

Issue #44 March 2016

CONGRATULATIONS! Keweenaw Community Sparkplug Award Winners!

YOUNG PERSON OF THE YEAR Brian Donnelly

QUALITY/CUSTOMER SERVICE/TEAMWORK

“Inspiring each other to raise our bar.”

Bob Jacquart, Keynote Speaker CEO & President, Jacquart Fabric Products

Marilyn Swift

PERSON/PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Inside This Issue

Keweenaw Science & Engineering Festival

INNOVATION/TRANSFORMATION Neuvokas

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau

Letter from the Executive Director Renewing Members New Members Leadership Keweenaw Keweenaw Community Sparkplug HEET Tips Events

GROWTH Xeratec Corporation Continued on page 6

Our Superior Partners. Thank You!

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Cheryl Fahrner, Executive Director Cheryl.Fahrner@Keweenaw.org It’s exciting to share with everyone the progress that has been made on the Leadership Keweenaw program.

The steering committee has been hard at work creating a program to bring the right mix of leadership skills training, speakers from the community and businesses for developing future leaders. I would like to say a sincere thank you to all of them.

The Portage Lake Enrichment Foundation, Inc. the 501(c)3 subsidiary of the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce has founded this annual program for the community. Many Chambers across the country have developed leadership programs, focusing on helping businesses invest in talent development, creating rising stars in their companies and developing engaged community leaders. Ours is a new program for the community, many have been around since the early 1990’s. I spoke with several Chamber’s and researched many others, the closest programs being Marquette and Escanaba’s Delta Force program. Escanaba said, “They started 13 years ago and over 200 participants have gone through the leadership program.” The first three years they fine-tuned the successful program into what it is today. Often there is a waiting list to get into the next years program. They have a community engaged with business and community leaders willing to step up and into volunteer roles across the area. Something they struggled with in the community prior to the program. These communities and many more have invested in growing future and current leaders for the continued growth and success of their communities.

I am so excited to help bring this program to the Keweenaw. As a past participant of a leadership program myself, from Central Wisconsin, I know the true value a program like this brings as you personally grow as a leader. We will develop leaders one year and class at a time, then engage the alumni to help develop and grow additional future leaders.

The wait is over and the registration process for companies to sign up participants has begun. Be the catalyst for your company and the community, by pledging to send you or a potential new leader through the program! Please see the information on the Leadership Program included in this newsletter on page 5 and pledge your support today!

Regional Chamber Alliance The Bessemer Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the Regional Chamber Alliance - Regional Roundtable on Thursday, March 10th at The Pit Stop, 120 N. Sophie Street, Bessemer, MI 49911.

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4:00 (CST)/5:00 pm (EST) - A workshop on “Creating Successful Chamber Fundraising” 5:30 (CST)/6:30 (EST) - Buffet & Cash Bar $10 6:00 pm (CST)/7:00 PM – Guest Speaker: Dustin Filippini, Web Developer with Tuna Traffic. Dustin will lending his expertise in utilizing Mobile Apps in your community and sharing the success of the Bessemer 4th of July Mobile App instituted in 2015.

All Chambers of the Regional Chamber Alliance and their members are welcome to attend, along with interested individuals who wish to help advance the Western U.P. There is further discussion on a Regional Business Expo...would you like to see and be a part of one?

Please give us your feedback, we will be sending out a link next week in our weekly communication. The survey is to gauge participant interest. *The Regional Chamber Alliance consists of Western U.P. Chambers of Commerce meeting for further collaboration in all six counties (Houghton/Keweenaw, Baraga, Ontonagon, Gogebic and Iron). We are working together to further advance the business community as a region. The Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce first proposed the Regional Chamber Alliance at the WUPPDR RPI meeting in October 2014. We have formed a steering committee from the six county Chambers and are working collaboratively on a joint effort.

Wishing you all GREAT Business Success in 2016!

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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!

Leadership Partner!

Pat’s Foods / Festival Foods

Community Partners!

MEMBERS Board of Directors Brian Donnelly, Vice President Branch Manager River Valley Bank, Houghton bdonnelly@rivervalleybank.com

Greg Seppanen, Immediate Past President Vice President, Trust & Financial Services Superior National Bank and Trust gseppanen@snb-t.com

Jan Cole, Vice-President Alison Spencer - Associate CM Morris Group, Inc. Dial Help, Inc. Goodwill Workforce Development Calumet Jonathan M. Luse SR., P.C. Lac La Belle Lodge & Bear Belly Bar and Grill Mariner North Shelly Larson – Edward Jones

Thank you for your continued support!

Managing Partner Edochi, LLC jancole1663@yahoo.com

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

INBUSINESS!

Darrell Guitar

We are working on the 2016 Edition of the InBusiness Magazine! Please take a few moments to check out your listing in last years edition. If you see any corrections that need to be made, give us a call at the office and we will get the information changed.

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

We partner with the Daily Mining Gazette (DMG) to make this publication possible, when the advertising department from the DMG calls let them know you are interested in an add space!

INBUSINESS MAGAZINE ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITY We partner with the Daily Mining Gazette (DMG) to make this publication possible, call the advertising department at the DMG and let them know you are interested in ad space!

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

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WELCOME

MEMBERS

Checker Transport / Checker Bus The Checker Transportation Group offers transportation across the US and Canada. We are based out of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and Western Pennsylvania. Checker Bus is the only name you need to know when travelling Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. We pride ourselves as one of the most innovative passenger transportation specialists offering transportation services including motor coaches, minicoaches, mini-buses, passenger vans, sedans, shuttles, and school buses. We pride ourselves on on-time service, safe vehicles, and highly qualified professional drivers.

Jesse Schramm, Owner 1915 Enterprise Drive | Marquette, MI 49855 906.451.4050 | info@checkertransport.com | Checkertransport.com

Champion Welding Alloys Champion Welding Alloys manufactures coated welding electrode (welding rod) specializing in chrome-moly electrodes for pipe welding.

Charlie Kilunen, Owner 52705 State Highway M-26 | Lake Linden, MI 49945 906.296.9633 | charliek@championweldong.com

Keweenaw Automotive Keweenaw Automotive, Inc. is proud to have provided the local area with their automotive needs for over 28 years. That's right, we have been in business since 1986! We specialize in automotive service and tires and sell pre-owned vehicles to suit your needs. Our technicians are ASE certified. Our Service Department represents more than 45 combined years of service at Keweenaw Automotive. We are located at 1500 Memorial Drive in Houghton, across from Walmart and the Dollar Tree.

Roger Hill, Owner 1500 Memorial Drive | Houghton, MI 49931 906.487.7988 | keweenawautomotive.com

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Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Dear Chamber Partner, The Leadership Keweenaw program is designed to empower diverse individuals of our area with the knowledge, skills and inspiration to successfully assume effective leadership roles both at work and in the community. The program will develop a collective resource and problem solving network to help address community needs, today and in the future.

The growth and prosperity of our area is closely tied to the quality and commitment of our next generation of leaders. These individuals are needed to serve on boards, commissions, in community groups and in elected positions. This kind of leadership talent must be aggressively sought out, nurtured, and given the tools to lead successfully.

Here’s how you can help Leadership Keweenaw: the 10-month leadership development program will require support and sponsorship by many community employers and organizations. The new Leadership Keweenaw program will help establish a pool of more informed and capable leaders, who are committed to using their talents to help develop our community.

Our challenge to you is to identify emerging leaders, then encourage and support their participation in the program. Beginning in August with a two-day retreat, there will be one, full-day session each month from September to May. The primary focus of Leadership Keweenaw is to develop personal leadership skills while presenting participants with information about quality of life issues related to natural resources, government and community, human & public services, legal system, education & workforce development, economic development & infrastructure, environment & stewardship, health wellness and community service.

All of the sessions are designed to be highly interactive and thought provoking. A typical day, up to 9 hours, will involve a combination of leadership skills development, group discussions, field trips and presentations by respected local leaders. Sessions will be held in locations appropriate to the topic. The instruction will not reflect any one solution or political viewpoint, presenting varied and diverse approaches to problem solving and dispute resolution.

The Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce encourages you to get involved in the Leadership Keweenaw program by supporting the Portage Lake Enrichment Foundation, Inc.. the 501(c)3 subsidiary of the Chamber. Please consider support of the program through sponsorship and/or encouraging your future leader to apply and be a participant.

We want our community to find and develop more than one leader at a time, so think about members of the community who will benefit from the leadership program and encourage them to complete an application.

Help our area be a better place to live and work because of your commitment to the program!

Applications will be accepted through May 1, 2016.

To apply visit www.keweenaw.org

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Keweenaw Community Sparkplug Awards Continued from page 1

CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN TO ALL OF THE NOMINEES! Amanda McConnon • Amanda Oppe • Angela Luskin – UP Health System Portage • Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital • Auto Pro Glass & Tire • AutoZone • Ben Ciavola & Lianna Miller • Brian Donnelly • Century 21 • Crossfit Hakkapeliitta • Eli Karttunen • Evergreen Technology • Glenn Anderson • IR Telemetrics • Jamie Purri • KC Bonkers • KEDA – Jeff Ratcliffe • Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau • Keweenaw Science & Engineering Festival • Lynn Eliason • Loading Dock • Marilyn Swift • McGann Building Supply • Michael Babcock • Mike LaMotte & Marc Rea • Neuvokas • Northwoods Trading Post • ProNav Marine • Stang Decision Systems • The Evergreen Inn • Walgreen’s & Keweenaw Gem and Gift • Xeratec Corporation

The Keweenaw Chamber would like to thank the Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance, Keweenaw Young Professionals, MTEC SmartZone and the Keweenaw Convention and Visitors Bureau for partnering with us on the event!

Photos courtesy of Michael Babcock & Devin Leonarduzzi

Thank you Sponsor and to Sponsor.

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for being the Centerpiece for being the Candy Bar

Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Member Information Center 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. http://www.keweenaw.org/login/ 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!

Another value to members of the Chamber’s website is the Job Postings Page. http://www.keweenaw.org/jobs Current Listings • •

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County Administrator Tech Start-Up Business Development & Technical Marketing Director Production Manager Lead Welder Senior Account Supervisor Sales Representative Heavy Equipment Technician / Mechanic

All Chamber Members can submit a job opening through the Member Information Center which is found here: http://www.keweenaw.org/login/ 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 Superior Partner ad. about your membership or how to use your Chamber Member Benefits!

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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

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Chamber Member Opportunities Is your business interested in hosting a Business After Hours, Morning Brew, 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, Morning Brew, 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!

Leadership Partner ad.

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Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

Leadership Partner ad.

Leadership Partner ad.

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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.

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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/ March 2 – Houghton Business Association Meeting. The Houghton Business Association will host their monthly meeting.

March 4 – First Friday in Calumet.

March 5 – Great Bear Chase. The UP Health System Great Bear Chase Ski Marathon has something for everyone and enough snow to go around, even in March!

March 5 – Gogebic Lodge Ice Fishing Tournament. 33rd Annual Ice Fishing Derby on Lake Gogebic.

March 8 – Hancock Business and Professional Association meeting. The HB&PA will host their monthly meeting.

March 9 – KEDA Meeting. KEDA will host their monthly meeting March 10 – Regional Roundtable. Regional Roundtable will be held in Bessemer.

March 10 – Care for the Caregiver. Personal “Thank You” for your tireless care and devotion at Gardenview Assisted Living Center March 16 – Torch Lake Watershed Meeting. Guest speakers will share the history of Superfund work performed along Torch Lake and ongoing research occurring in the Torch Lake Watershed.

March 18-19 – U.P.E.C. Celebrate the U.P. Annual Meeting, Drum Songs, Presentations Plenary Session.

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

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.

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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 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!

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