Letter from the President

On behalf of the Gladwin County Chamber of Commerce, I would like to welcome you to Michigan’s Backyard, the Hometowns of Gladwin County. Gladwin County is a unique place to live, work, and grow a business. Whether you’re visiting for the day, looking for a new place to call home, or you’re already a resident of our thriving communities, Gladwin County consists of quaint little towns with big hearts and plenty of opportunities. Our rich history contributes to the nuances which creates the “Norman Rockwell” environment that is loved by so many.

The Chamber was established in 1936 to advocate and support the prosperity of Gladwin County and area businesses. This is an exciting time to be a member of the Gladwin County Chamber of Commerce as we create innovative networking opportunities and technologic advances to connect our businesses with each other We are always creating new networking and promotional opportunities to help our member businesses succeed and grow, including space to advertise on the Chamber website, business referrals, networking opportunities, legislative breakfast series and virtual networking.

We continue to partner with local government and other organizations to pursue improvements in the overall quality of life for the city, county, and region. The focus of importance in the areas of transportation, education, healthcare, tourism, economic development, community development, and workforce development. Our success in achieving our mission and purpose is due to a collaborative effort from the Chamber Board of Directors, Gladwin County Economic Development Corporation, City of Beaverton, City of Gladwin, Township Leaders, Chamber members, and area professionals.

The challenges of the past year have affected our landscape, but it has not stopped us from enjoying the many other waterways and forests that Michigan’s Backyard has to offer. We encourage new visitors to come enjoy all the beauty of Gladwin County. What do you do in your backyard? You BBQ, Work, Play, Family Fun, Friends, Hunt, Fish, Camp, Boat, Swim, Snowshoe, Ride ORV’s, and so much more. Come enjoy our area, we will make you feel right at home!

Supporting our local small businesses is more important now than ever, it is an investment in our friends, neighbors, and families. Gladwin County is thriving, join us as we continue to recover and grow, you are invited to pullup a lawn chair or put on your hiking boots to explore Michigan’s Backyard, the Hometowns of Gladwin County. Trust me, after you visit, you will not want to leave.

Please Welcome

Carrie Will

Board of Directors

ANGELA BIGHAM, President City of Gladwin

Angela is a lifelong resident of Gladwin. She graduated from Gladwin High School and earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Alma College. Angela is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Gladwin, Gateway Community Band and is the Treasurer for the City of Gladwin. In her spare time, Angela loves to garden and travel.

JESSICA GROVE, Vice President

Merrily Ever After Bridal Shop

Jessica is a Gladwin High School graduate and earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Central Michigan University. She is the owner of Merrily Ever After Bridal Shop located on Main Street in Gladwin. Jessica also serves on the local Junior Achievement board and volunteers in the classroom with her young son, Philip.

MICHAEL MURRAY, Treasurer Burkhart-Presidio Insurance

Michael was born and raised in Gladwin County. He graduated from Beaverton High School and earned his Bachelor Degree from Alma College. Michael is a producer at Burkhart-Presidio Insurance, is involved in the GBPA, and spends his free time playing golf.

WHITNEY KING, Director

Burkhart-Presidio

Whitney graduated from Beaverton High School in 2011. She received her Bachelor of Business Administration from Saginaw Valley State University in 2015. She is employed at Burkhart-Presidio Insurance Company. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, Mason and Miles.

Our New Executive Director!

BOB BALZER, Director

Consumers Energy

Bob is a graduate of Gladwin High School and received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Central Michigan University. Bob spent 9 years serving Gladwin County as the Director of Business and Economic Development with Michigan Works! Region 7B and the Gladwin County EDC before joining Consumers Energy in November of 2021. His role of Community Affairs Manager for Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Isabella, and Midland counties will allow Bob to build partnerships in those communities. Bob enjoys camping with his family, hunting, fishing and the outdoors, and positively impacting the lives of youth.

CORY BARZ, Director Clare County Transit

Cory was born and raised in Gladwin, graduated from Mid Michigan College and later CMU, and taught in the Lansing area for six years before an opportunity arose to return to Gladwin. He is currently serving as Operations Manager at the Clare County Transit. Cory and his wife April are looking forward to becoming more invested and involved in the business community of Gladwin.

JENNIFER FEUERSTEIN, Director

H&S Companies

Jennifer is married to Tim Feuerstein and she works for H&S Companies as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). She likes to partner with individuals and small business owners to maximize their wealth by maintaining accurate financial records, filing timely tax returns, and finding effective strategies to make today work hard so tomorrow can be a brighter day. Jennifer enjoys being outside, a great coffee shop, and a good book.

Our Vision

Building a vibrant and prosperous community.

Our Mission

The Gladwin County Chamber of Commerce is organized to advance the commercial, industrial, and civic interests of Gladwin County; to encourage and grow businesses to support activities that benefit the community.

Wha t is the Chamber?

The Chamber is the one organization that best represents member’s business and civic interests; from communicating business issues to promoting Gladwin County as a great place to live and do business.

Who is the Chamber?

The Chamber of Commerce is a partnership of businesses and professional people coming together to make Gladwin County a better place for everyone to live and work. We are Gladwin County’s Information Center.

Volunteering

Our volunteers serve our chamber by sharing their knowledge of the area with visitors. They also increase the quality of service provided in the office and create a lively welcoming atmosphere.

There are many opportunities to volunteer through our Chamber:

• In the office

• Event committees

• Board of directors

• Ambassador program

• Special interest committees

• Gladwin County welcome team

• Destination guide distribution program

BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY, EXPERIENCE GLADWIN COUNTY!

The trends are clear:

More and more people are using their phones to make important decisions about where to go, what to eat, and how they should spend their money. Not only that, your phone can be one of your primary sources for exploring, shopping, entertainment, and discovering area events.

Business Directory

Find a complete list of our chamber members (listed by industry) contact information and easy click to call button, along with directions and a link to their website.

Community Events

Calendar of upcoming events in Gladwin County, including online registration (if needed) and an option to add to your personal calendar.

Business Locator

Find businesses in the area using the different categories to locate what you’re looking for; click on the business for quick and easy directions.

Community Offers

Find

Landmark

See

“While you are here, visit the local businesses and our schools to see what we have to offer. Make a point to stay at one of our beautiful and friendly camping locations. We would like to extend a warm welcome. Enjoy your stay. Please return - or better yet, become a part of our family.”

“Welcome to Gladwin, where up north starts! You’ll breathe easy in our parks and fall in love with our people by visiting our shops and catching one of our local games. As comfortable and relaxed as you feel at home is how you’ll feel in Gladwin, Michigan’s backyard!”

Sarah Kile, Mayor for City of Gladwin

A Warm Welcome from the City of Gladwin.

“So, what makes our Town so special? You’ll likely get a different answer from each of our citizens. We are a diverse group of citizens pulling for the common good to build a community that will be a model of livability, sustainability, and creativity all the while protecting the natural resources and beauty which we all value so much.

Our citizens appreciate our forests, hillsides, streams, open spaces, and agriculture. We pursue ways to stay healthy and connected. We encourage volunteerism and celebrate when we find ways to get things done without an expense to taxpayers. We look out for one another. We have fun.

Gladwin is committed to working with the community to ensure that the city effectively serves its citizens, neighborhoods, and businesses to help all succeed while nurturing our strong sense of place.

Chris Shannon, City Manager for City of Gladwin