Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce http://www.elkrapidschamber.org Thu, 16 May 2013 17:16:15 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Getting Ready for Summer http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/05/02/getting-ready-for-summer/ http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/05/02/getting-ready-for-summer/#comments Thu, 02 May 2013 11:16:48 +0000 misty http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/?p=5288 Continue reading →]]> Arts & Crafts:

Saturdays: May 25, July 20 and August 17 from 9 AM to 4 PM.  Stop and shop from a wide variety of artists with treasures to fit every taste and budget.

 Now Seeking Sponsorships:

Event sponsorships are a great way to get your business name recognized by a targeted audience. Display your logo, engage with potential customers and create positive publicity. Sponsorships are available for the following events. Contact the Chamber for more information.

Wednesday Evenings on River Street:

This wonderful weekly event was created to reconnect with our downtown and attract US 31 travelers to Elk Rapids.  The dates for this year are 6/26, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, 7/31, 8/7, 8/14.

Minimum Sponsorship: $250 per week

Half Sponsorship: $500 per week

Solo Sponsorship: $1,000 per week

Annual Golf Outing

An always popular event held on the longest day of the year to provide the maximum amount of time for fun! Sponsor a hole, golf cart, beverage cart, lunch or become one of four $500 Gold Sponsor’s to have your company featured on the Chamber Web Site, event literature, print ads and a special banner at registration. Only one Gold Sponsorship remains.

]]> http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/05/02/getting-ready-for-summer/feed/ 0 WHY BUSINESS PLANS ARE STILL ESSENTIAL http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/04/30/why-business-plans-are-still-essential/ http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/04/30/why-business-plans-are-still-essential/#comments Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:49:47 +0000 carol http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/?p=5280 Continue reading →]]> A recent trend emphasizes business models over business plans. A model is a sketch of how your business will operate, while a plan is a detailed blueprint. But a brief model is not enough, writes Rhonda Abrams, president of The Planning Shop. A model “overlooks planning the structure you need to execute your idea, leaves out marketing and, most important, eliminates the vital process of developing financial projections,” she writes.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/columnist/abrams/2013/04/05/small-business-plans/2054961/

]]> http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/04/30/why-business-plans-are-still-essential/feed/ 0 GRASS RIVER AREA MAY EVENTS http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/04/30/grass-river-area-may-events/ http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/04/30/grass-river-area-may-events/#comments Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:44:57 +0000 carol http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/?p=5278 Continue reading →]]> Saturday, May 4 – 9:30 am                                                                               

“May Day!” – It’s Clean Up, Fix Up Day at Grass River Natural Area! Don your work clothes and work gloves, bring your rakes and dust rags! Help us spruce up the cabin, the Center and trails for the start of our 43rd summer season at Grass River. Many hands make light work and we’ll feed you lunch! Please call if you plan to attend, 231.533.8314.

 

Tuesday, May 7—5:00-9:00 pm                                                          

“Spring Fling” at the Dockside—Torch Lake.

Enjoy dinner at the Dockside with friends and supporters of Grass River Natural Area. Evening profits will be split with GRNA.  No reservations required.

]]> http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/04/30/grass-river-area-may-events/feed/ 0 GTAHA MAY SEMINAR http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/04/30/gtaha-may-seminar/ http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/04/30/gtaha-may-seminar/#comments Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:39:00 +0000 carol http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/?p=5274 Continue reading →]]> *This is a FREE event, open to the public and all businesses! Pre-registration is highly recommended!! Educational Seminars to help local businesses improve marketing effectiveness and customer service! 9am- Karl Schwartz, Vice President of Business Development, Dore and Associate  A fun and interactive hospitality session to kick off our event! Learn about the core values of a customer and how to build on providing excellent service and experience your customer. This is a must attend session for all hospitality employees from the front desk to management! 9:40am- Tom DeVries- Thoughtfull LLC  The importance of developing and designing and end-to-end customer experience. Helping identify important customer service trends that lead to successful marketing campaigns and producing outstanding customer experiences! 10:20am– Dave Lorenz, Executive Director of the Pure Michigan Campaign: :  .The importance of the Traverse City community and its impact to the Pure Michigan campaign. Outlining how we can capture the overwhelming effectiveness of the Pure Michigan campaign and use it to enhance the Michigan Experience in Traverse City area. 11:30-12:30pm – LUNCH  Bays Pizza-experience the newest pizza place in town!  Potter’s Bakery- Sample the newly added lunch menu!  MaxBauer Specialty Meat Market- a TC favorite, come enjoy some tasty meat samplings! 12:30pm – Social Media Presentation  The knowledge and strategies for using the most up-to-date social media tools including Facebook,Four Square, Twitter, and more! Come learn how to grow your online reach and connect your business with the tools and technology customers use every day! 1:30pm-Ken Wasco, Keynote, Gordon Food Service  An advocate for the success of individuals and organizations involved in all aspects of the service industries. A nationally recognized keynote speaker focusing on values-based accomplishment enhanced through strengthened interpersonal skills! This is a must attend event for all! 3:00pm – Right Brain Brewery  The Traverse City craft brewing industry is booming! Come hear all about Right Brains impact on the local community, its story of success and sample some of their delicious concoctions! Register at www.traversecity.org – The Best of MI Hospitality Tab For more information contact: Saeth Gronberg @ 231-944 -6551 or saeth.gronberg@gmail.com or Doug Dornbos @ 231-941-8294 or dornbos@cherrycapitalcab.com

]]> http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/04/30/gtaha-may-seminar/feed/ 0 AFLAC HEALTH CARE IS AVAILABLE FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/04/30/aflac-health-care-is-available-for-chamber-members/ http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/04/30/aflac-health-care-is-available-for-chamber-members/#comments Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:30:47 +0000 carol http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/?p=5272 Continue reading →]]> We wanted to let you know that on Thursday, May 25 at 6 PM in Room 124 (across from the cafeteria) at the ER High School, Aflac agent Mike Hoover will be holding an informational meeting about health care. Aflac Health Care is available to you for being a Chamber member. Please RSVP to Mike at m_hoover@us.aflac.com or 231-944-6892.

]]> http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/04/30/aflac-health-care-is-available-for-chamber-members/feed/ 0 SPECIAL FOR MAY http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/04/30/special-for-may/ http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/04/30/special-for-may/#comments Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:26:53 +0000 carol http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/?p=5268 Continue reading →]]>

Celebrate Mothers Day the whole month of May

Book a Spa Pedicure for “Two” and receive 20% Off.  This includes samples to take home.  Must be booked

together and no gift certificates available.  Treat your Mother, Grandmother, Mother in Law or just a good friend!

Call today 231-264-8184

 

Spa Room Special

 

We want to introduce you to our Esthetician Jenn.  For the Month of May in honor of our Receptionist, who

is celebrating her 30th Birthday, we are giving 30% off on any One Hour Facial with Jenn.  Erika will be happy we thought

of her.   They will book up fast so call today 231-264-8184.

Hairport Salon & Spa

 

]]> http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/04/30/special-for-may/feed/ 0 RETAILERS EMBRACE TABLET-BASED CHECKOUT http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/04/30/retailers-embrace-tablet-based-checkout/ http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/04/30/retailers-embrace-tablet-based-checkout/#comments Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:21:15 +0000 carol http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/?p=5263 Continue reading →]]> Some retailers are replacing the cash register with a tablet-based checkout system, adding accessories that enhance appearance and improve functionality, such as letting the tablet swivel or hang on a wall. In Seattle, Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream uses an Apple iPad affixed to a handcrafted pedestal featuring the store’s logo.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/22/technology/with-tablets-businesses-ring-up-at-more-fanciful-cash-registers.html?_r=0

]]> http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/04/30/retailers-embrace-tablet-based-checkout/feed/ 0 WOMEN AND SOCIAL SECURITY TOPIC AT ER WOMEN’S MEETING http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/04/30/women-and-social-security-topic-at-er-womens-meeting/ http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/04/30/women-and-social-security-topic-at-er-womens-meeting/#comments Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:11:59 +0000 carol http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/?p=5260 Continue reading →]]> Women and Social Security is the topic for the May 2nd meeting of the Elk rapids Women.  This presentation by Tom Shelder is a must topic for all ages.  Don’t think that waiting until you “come of that age” is when you will look for the information; you are never too young to start preparing for your financial retirement needs.  Join us on Thursday, May 2nd at KOLU’s Eatery, 133 Ames at 6PM.  Come for dinner and bring a friend.  Everyone welcome (including men) RSVP not necessary!

The mission of Elk Rapids Women is “To assist all women to achieve their dream through education, information, and advocacy.”  Meetings are always open to guests.

For more information on the Elk Rapid Women and their future activities, contact Tamara Valenzuela tamval@live.com or 231-735-6799.

]]> http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/04/30/women-and-social-security-topic-at-er-womens-meeting/feed/ 0 GREEN ER DAYS 2013 SCHEDULE http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/04/30/green-er-days-2013-schedule/ http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/04/30/green-er-days-2013-schedule/#comments Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:08:46 +0000 carol http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/?p=5259 Continue reading →]]> Green Elk Rapids Days is celebrating five years of community focus on “green” lifestyles and environmental issues with activities for all ages and interests.  These activities are planned and coordinated by a non-profit volunteer group.  Everyone is invited to participate.

 

 

May 7, Tuesday:  5-7 pm. Book discussion celebrates 50th anniversary of environmental classic Silent Spring by Rachael Carson during Happy Hour at Siren Hall.   

Join the discussion led by Terri Reisig, ERHS literature teacher and NMC instructor.  Please be prepared to share what you think are the key messages of the book and its relevance today.

 

May 9, Thursday:  6-8 pm. Marina Pavilion.

6:00- Silent Spring film and popcorn.  Bring your own beverage, snack.  PBS film revisits early controversies about pesticides and environmental impact.

7:00 pm: Local speakers address significance of pesticides, organic farming, genetically modified foods.  Co-hosted with the Elk Rapids Historical Society.

 

May 11, Saturday:  9-3:00 pm.  ER recycling lot.  Super Recycling Day partners with Bay Area Recycling For Charities to accept items at the village recycling lot, 321 Bridge Street.  

-Recycle-A-Bicycle will accept donated & repairable bikes at this location.

-9:30 am. Green Burials.  312 Pine Street. Co-hosted with Covell Funeral Home.

-10-2:00 pm. exhibits & demos by Brick Wheels Bike Shop, and The Wet Mitten Shop;

    Govt. building parking lot:

-10:30 am.  The Lorax  children’s story hour.  The Lighthouse at Presbyterian Church.

Artist/storyteller Martina Hahn.  Co-hosted with the Elk Rapids District Library.

-2:00 pm. Parks & Rec. Commission hosts ribbon cutting and short bike tour of Michigan

Bike Rt. 35 to Wilcox-Palmer-Shah Preserve w/hike to follow.  Depart from Govt. Center.

 

May 11-20: “Trashformations” competition throughout the village, featuring creations made from recycled and repurposed materials with a “green” theme.

 

May 14, Tuesday.  Student projects and activities at Dam Beach.  Times TBA.

 

May 16, Thursday: 5-7:00 pm.  Shorts Brewery hosts Business After Hours, at their production facility at 211 Industrial Park Drive.  Highlighting their energy conservation and recycling practices, Short’s will also provide guided tours, hors d’oeuvres, and of course, Short’s beer.  www.shortsbrewing.com

 

May 18, Saturday:  Saturday, 8 am-4 pm, 5th Annual Short’s to Short’s Paddle kayak event from Short’s brewpub in Bellaire to Short’s production facility in Elk Rapids.  Registration details and post Paddle party info at: www.shortsbrewing.com

 

May 18, Saturday.  7:00 am. til done:  Village curbside trash pickup.

 

May 20, Monday, 6:00 pm.  Special Village Council meeting.   HERTHA hall,  401 River Street.  Announcements, essay winners, Trashformation winners.  Guest speaker Pat Lindemann, Ingham County Drain Commissioner, on innovative water projects.

 

May 29, Wednesday.  Cherryland student spring field trip. Maple Bay Farm.

                            

                                   Details and updates at www.greenelkrapidsdays.com

]]> http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/04/30/green-er-days-2013-schedule/feed/ 0 CELEBRATE THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF RACHEL CARSON’S SILENT SPRING http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/04/30/celebrate-the-50th-anniversary-of-rachel-carsons-silent-spring/ http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/04/30/celebrate-the-50th-anniversary-of-rachel-carsons-silent-spring/#comments Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:03:38 +0000 carol http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/?p=5256 Continue reading →]]> The community is invited for two events exploring the legacy of Rachel Carson, the scientist who sparked a national debate that continues to this day on the appropriate role of pesticides, science, government, and technology.

 

Silent Spring Book Discussion: Tuesday, May 7, 5 – 7 p.m. during Happy Hour at

Siren Hall.

Join the discussion led by Terri Reisig, ERHS literature teacher and NMC Instructor. Please be prepared to share what you think are the key messages of the book and its relevance today.

 

Silent Spring PBS film: Thursday, May 9, 6 – 8 p.m. Marina Pavilion.

6:00 – Film and popcorn. Bring your own beverage or snack.

7:00 – Local speakers address the significance of pesticides, organic foods, and genetically modified foods.

Hosted with Elk Rapids Historical Society. Call 231-264-0618 for further information

]]> http://www.elkrapidschamber.org/2013/04/30/celebrate-the-50th-anniversary-of-rachel-carsons-silent-spring/feed/ 0