E-Newsletter from the Executive Director
July 2008

What's In This Issue

• Mighty Mac Golf Outing
• Give em’ the Pickle Customer Service Workshop Re-cap
• Big Mac Spring Bike Tour Re-cap
• Chamber Member News
• Community Notes
• July Calendar

Mighty Mac Golf Outing July 29 at the Mackinaw Club

Mark your calendars! The annual Mighty Mac Golf outing is Tuesday, July 29. Join us for a 1:00pm shotgun start at the Mackinaw Club. Pick your own team of 4. Men’s, Woman’s, and Mixed (must have at least two women). The Outing includes golf games, $500.00 first hole in one, drink tickets and goodie bags. Awards to be given out at the BBQ sandwich supper buffet at the Club.

Sponsorships and door prizes still being accepted. Registration deadline Thursday July 21.  Team fee $275.00. We accept checks or credit cards. Enjoy the beautiful golf course of the Mackinaw Club and the Rogala family hospitality. Call the Chamber office for the application. 231 436-5574

Customer Service Workshop Was a Success!

0ver 50 area employees and business owners enjoyed the seminar “Beyond service with a smile - hospitality and customer service in a tourist town". Presenter Michelle Walk of M.S.U - UP Extension, focused on being positive to every Mackinaw City guest and promoting positive talk among fellow workers. (You never know how you will affect the people standing around you!)

The “PICKLE” each of us give out can be a smile, stoping to give directions, helping with a busy youngster while the parents shop, personal interest in every guest, going the extra mile and treating everyone as a friend. The movie was entertaining and drove home the importance of attitude and consistency of service.

The workshop evaluation included examples listed from the employees on how to implement this customer service technique. Some the comments included:

•   I will give people pickles- (that something special).
•   I will smile and have a good attitude even if I am not having a good day.
•   I will make the customers in my business much happier and keep my employees 
    informed about area happenings. 
•   I will go the extra mile.
•   I will use teamwork in my workplace.
•   I will say to each guest “I like you!”

Beautiful Weather for the Spring  
Bike Mac Shoreline Bike Tour

The Saturday ride accommodated 268 riders with 172 bike riders plus the 2 Pedicabs crossing the Mackinac Bridge on Sunday morning. “The event went well and is a favorite of the hardy spring riders” the committee members commented.  Kelly Vieau administrator of the ride, noted that we had more pre registered riders than last year, a relief due to the higher gas prices.

Thank you to all the ride volunteers who make this a wonderful Chamber of Commerce event.

The following people and organizations are much appreciated!   The Chamber staff: Dawn and Kelly; Dave Paquet (harbor master) and crew from the Parks and Rec Department; Registration: Judy Bennett, Marilyn & Anna McFarland, Marianne & Hugh Murray and Brenda Beyer; lunch: Judy Most, Katy and Bud Stone; Ham operators through out the ride and coordinator Chuck Brew; Stop hosts: Gussie Williams, Ginny Brew at Just a Plain Farm; Robert Heilman, Angie Ross at Legs Inn; Penny McGaffin at Moose Jaw Junction, Sag vehicles and route supervisors: Jack Clear, Gene Cooley, Tom Peters, and Belinda Mollen; bridge ride directional, Deni Mahlmeister; the Mackinac Bridge Authority, Arnold Transit Co. and the Mackinaw City Police.  

Bike Tour shirts are available at the Chamber Depot office.  They feature a great logo designed by O’Brien’s Shirt Shop.  $8.00 each.

Chamber Member News

Thank you to our June Business After Hours Sponsors: North Country Gardens, Mackinaw Trolley Co. and the Mackinaw Club.   The Mackinaw Club Golf Course is in great condition.  The tree lined entrance and landscaping is very welcoming.  Attendees took a ride on the Mackinaw Trolley driven by owner Chris Michalak, to North Country Gardens and received a tour by the owner/operator, Donna Beach.  Everyone enjoyed networking and making plans for a great summer in Mackinaw!

An Open House & Ribbon cutting was held on Tuesday June 24th at the Great Lakes Light House Keepers new building at 707 N Huron Ave.  All the businesses contained in the remodeled Squeally’s Restaurant building welcomed visitor's for tours and snacks. The Huron St. entrance is to the GLLKA Gift shop and the Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce information lobby.  The Depeyster Street entrance is for the Architect Forum, IMMM office, Childs Consulting and Dick Moehl’s office.  Congratulations everyone on your new offices.

Music in Mackinaw Concert - First of the Season concert on June 28th at 8pm at Conkling Heritage Park features “Neptune Quartet” - Formed in 2001, the quartet is a collaboration of cellist Crispin Campbell, mandolinist Don Julin, guitarist Angelo Meli and bassist Glenn Wolff. The group plays original compositions as well as music by the likes of Django Reinhardt, Frank Zappa, and Hank Williams.  Check out our Music in Mackinaw 2008 schedule here!


 

LEGS INN of Cross Village is now open serving lunch and dinner daily. Authentic Polish cuisine is the specialty -- yet a variety of other delicious dishes, including fresh whitefish, are also served. Szarlotka (pronounced "shar-lough-tka) is an absolute favorite among Polish desserts. The beverage menu includes a great selection of wines and cocktails, as well as over 100 beers from around the world. Live entertainment is offered again this season, headlined by Northern Michigan's favorite -- The Jelly Roll Blues Band, who appear for the 19th straight season every Sunday through Labor Day.
LEGS INN received a great deal of recognition from a variety of critics, travel writers and guests -- most notably the selection by Coastal Living magazine's staff as a Top 10 Staff Favorite Bonus Find -- the only inland choice between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans! And readers of Northern Express voted LEGS INN as the best outdoor eatery. Guests love to dine in the gardens taking in the panoramic views of Lake Michigan and spectacular sunsets. Four different lighthouses are visible from the high bluff. Recommending LEGS INN to the itinerary of Mackinaw area visitors will compliment their trip and add an extra dimension to their Northern Michigan experience. It's only 22 miles to Cross Village via US31 and C66 -- and a little longer, but much more rewarding via the scenic drive along Wilderness State Park and the famed Sturgeon Bay Beach.  http://www.legsinn.com/

Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum open for tours daily from 10 am to 8 pm.  http://www.themackinaw.org/

Having company and need a place for them to stay?  Consider Johnny’s Place on beautiful Paradise Lake.  Charming, fully equipped cottage sleeps up to 4 people.  Call (231) 537-4420 for more information.

Mackinaw Crossings Mall has continuous entertainment throughout the season.  Visit http://www.mackinawcrossings.com/ for more information.

North Country Gardens is now open every day for your gardening needs: Annuals, perennials, trees, and shrubs.  Need help planting or maintaining your flower beds? Just give us a call.  New for 2008:  Flower and balloon bouquets available for delivery. 231-436-5169. Located between Mackinaw City and Carp Lake across from Mackinaw Club Golf Course.

JR’s tailgate Pub & Two Amigo’s Mexican Kitchen feature:
$5 Taco special – Mondays; Free Pool- Tuesdays; Karaoke - Fridays; ½ off pizza- Wednesdays and $5 Burger and Beer- Thursdays.  Downtown Mackinaw City at the Light 436-8540

Community Notes

The Mackinaw Area Visitor’s Bureau has announced that the 51/50 Labor Day Bridge Walk commemorative coin is now available for purchase.  The limited edition coin is available at participating Mackinaw City businesses and hotels and at the Chamber of Commerce Depot office. Suggested retail for the coin is $4.00.  The coin may also be ordered by calling the Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau at 800-666-0160. The oversized coin features the Mackinac Bridge on one side and a history of the history of this event on the reverse.

Concern and support goes out to all the Central Ave businesses who where affected by the fire in the remodeled Acatsgrin building leased by Issac and Lisa of Momentum clothing stores. Cause of fire is yet to be determined. Issac had spent weeks getting the store ready for the Summer Business it looked so bright and fresh.The Mackinaw Fire Department and surrounding communities contained the fire. Surrounding businesses are assessing the smoke and water damage.  Thank you to all community members who assisted the businesses. 

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU TO THE MACKINAW CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR YOUR QUICK RESPONSE AND ABILITY TO CONTAIN THE FIRE!

Community locator maps are ready for pick up at the Depot office. The map lists sponsor restaurants, plus area attractions around the Village. The locator alphbet and numbers correspond to our 2008 Visitor guide. Call the office if you need delivery.
 
Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau is hosting the Mackinaw City Arts and Craft Show on June 28th & 29th at Conkling Heritage Park on South Huron Avenue. The Show is Juried and will feature many artists from around the country. Exhibits to include paintings, woodwork, hand-crafted jewelry, hand-designed clothing, and much more.

FYI - First Annual tractor Parade through Mackinaw City - over the bridge, thru St. Ignace, destination Kewadin Casino.  Over 650 tractors are registered to be a part of this unique parade over the Mackinac Bridge.  200 selected tractors will parade through Mackinaw City prior to crossing the bridge at 12 pm, Friday, September 12th.  More details to come.  For more information regarding parade rules visit www.owossotractorparts.com

Looking for individualized help with your existing business?  Confidential Business Counseling is available to all companies and individuals that have been in business at least 12 months and/or have attended the “How to Start a New business” orientation session.  Services are provided free of charge by appointment only.  To register for a class or schedule an appointment, contact Sara at Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, 231-582-6482 or email sarah@northernlakes.net

St. Ignace Bayside Farmers Market – Saturdays 10 am to Noon at the St. Ignace Marina.  Brought to you by the St. Ignace Events Committee, MSU Extension, and St. Ignace Farmers’ Market Vendors Association. 906-643-7307.

July Calendar 

• PDF of our July 4th Events
• Printable 2008 Straits Area Calendar of Events

Every Tuesday in July & August 8 PM – Straits Area Concert Band – Conkling Heritage Park

Monday’s Starting July 7th – 28th - Summer Reading Programs at the Mackinaw Area Public Library 1 pm.  Visit http://www.mackinawareapubliclibrary.org/ for a complete schedule.

4    Waterfront Events & Fireworks in Mackinaw City

5   Music in Mackinaw Free Concert Series presents “Horton Creek” – 8 pm, Conkling Heritage Park

5   10th Annual Weevilfest in Carp Lake featuring a pancake breakfast, bake sale, street parade and a boat parade. Email bob-marilyn@fbconnectu.net for more information.

5    "Saints of Steel" - Steel Drum Band – 7:30 PM at The Cheboygan Opera House. http://www.theoperahouse.org/

10  “Hats off to Garden”  Garden Walk 2008 invites you to visit six Cheboygan area gardens – 1 pm to 7 pm, rain or shine.  Advance tickets are $10 and can be purchased from various Cheboygan locations or by calling Pam at 231-597-9234 or email crookpam@aol.com.

12   Music in Mackinaw Free Concert Series presents “Ray Kamalay & the String Doctors” – 8 pm, Conkling Heritage Park

12  .38 Special Band - Odawa Casino Resort.  Tickets available at http://www.starticketsplus.com/ or http://www.odawacasino.com/

12    “Parrots of the Caribbean” a tribute to Jimmy Buffet  – 7:30 PM at The Cheboygan Opera House. http://www.theoperahouse.org/

14     Mackinaw Area Historical Society “History of the Railroad Ferries” – Brian Jaeschke of the Mackinac State Historic Parks.  7:30 pm, Mackinaw City Public Library.

17   Straits of Mackinac Summer 2008 Music Cruise featuring Lee Murdock (Songs of the Great Lakes) 8 pm.  Sponsored by CMU Public Broadcasting.  Call 800-727-9268 for tickets and information. 

18  Loretta Lynn performing live in the Dreammakers Theater in Sault Ste. Marie. Ticket price is $38.50. On Sale now!  Call thier box office today at 800-KEWADIN to book your tickets for our next great entertainer!  Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday – Sunday.  (Open until 9 p.m. on show days only)

19   Benefit Spaghetti/Lasagna Dinner for the family of the late Derek Downing – Depot Restaurant;  2:00pm until 12:00am. Silent auction, gift certificate raffle and live entertainment.  Please come and show your support for this longtime local family.

19   Music in Mackinaw Free Concert Series presents “EXCLAMATION!” – 8 pm, Conkling Heritage Park

19    "LEGACY FIVE” - Presented by Northern Michigan Promotions – 7:30 PM at The Cheboygan Opera House. http://www.theoperahouse.org/

26   Music in Mackinaw Free Concert Series presents “Dance North” – 7 pm, Conkling Heritage Park

26   Music in Mackinaw Free Concert Series presents “Genessee Valley Concert Band” – 9 pm, Conkling Heritage Park

26    “FIDDLERS RESTRUNG” – 7:30 PM at The Cheboygan Opera House. http://www.theoperahouse.org/
 
27  Williams & Ree in Concert at the Sprung Strcture at the Shores, St. Ignace; 7:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now! Ticket prices are $22.50. 

29   Mighty Mac Golf Outing – Mackinaw Club

29   Straits Area Concert Band 25th Anniversary Celebration & Ribbon Cutting

30   Inventor’s Workshop – Cheboygan Public Library.  Brought To You By Northern Lakes Economic Alliance, Indian River, Cheboygan, and Mackinaw City Chambers of Commerce. Register today by calling Cheboygan 231-627-7183 or Indian River 231-238-9325. Cost is $10 for chamber members, public rate is $20.

Thru July 30  “Book Bingo” – Mackinaw Area Public Library.  For anyone up to age 15.  Earn a prize for each “bingo” completed, and earn a special prize for filling up the whole card.  For more info call 436-5451.

If you would like your event, anniversary, or business information listed in our e.newsletter, contact the Chamber office for consideration by the 15th of each month.

Dawn Edwards, Executive Director  dedwards@mackinawchamber.com
Kelly Vieau, Administrative Assistant  kelly@mackinawchamber.com
To change your subscription or unsubscribe contact us!