ten years and counting sweetgrass – let’s do it again february shorelines.pdf · ten years and...

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February 2012 Chamber Shorelines Delta County Chamber of Commerce—February 2012 Ten years and Counting In 2002, six major community organizations united to create a program where participants would be introduced to the dynamics that impact Delta County. Delta County Chamber of Commerce, Delta County Economic Development Alliance, Michigan Works! The Job Force Board, Bay College, MeadWestvaco, and the Daily Press developed the first Delta Force program with hopes that it would have classes filled to capacity for the first 5 years. Their hope did not take into consideration the strong community sup- port and participant enthusiasm that established with the first class and has followed through this year. The support continued to show this year with record number of students. The Delta Force class of 2012 marks the 10 th Anniversary of this regionally recognized program. The goal is to continuously pre- pare community leaders to reinforce Delta County in the near fu- ture. Each member of this class, like all past members, has been identified as an individual with leadership qualities. In the past 10 years, Delta Force has invited more than 100 community members to acknowledge their strengths and share them with the commu- nity. “Let him who would be moved to convince others, be first moved to convince himself.” Thomas Carlyle In addition to leadership development, Delta Force maintains an organic networking process in which new members from profit and non-profit organizations form professional relationships. Fur- thermore, these new members have the opportunity to interact with past members. Vickie Micheau, one of the founders of Delta Force, believes the program continues to be relevant after 10 years because of the inclusion of new ideas from former members. Each of them brings strength to the program, but when they complete the program, their strength has multiplied. Delta Force tries to maintain these assets in-house. Delta Force is made of Delta Force. Sweetgrass – Let’s Do It Again Over a year ago the Island Resort & Casino em- barked on a task to acquire a pro- fessional golf tour- nament to be played on the highly touted Sweetgrass golf course. The result is the Island Resort Championship at Sweet- grass, a tournament produced in partnership with the LPGA Fu- tures Tour. The inaugural tournament was held June 24-26, 2011 and exceeded everyone’s expectations. Fans, players and tour offi- cials were extremely complimentary and appreciative in their com- ments and correspondence and many agreed it was the best tour stop they ever experienced. Heady stuff for a first event, to be sure. We knew to continue the success meant we couldn’t stand still, because these days, if you’re standing still you’re losing ground. We had a follow-up meeting a month later to discuss the event and present ideas to improve upon it. From day one our goal has been to make this the best and biggest tournament of its kind. Those things don’t happen overnight and absolutely do not happen with- out the commitment of a dedicated group of volunteers and essen- tial community support. The Delta Commerce Center was vital with Vickie Micheau and John Lewandowski coordinating all vol- unteer staffing requirements; The YMCA’s Caron Salo organized housing for the players; Herb Pomeroy of the U.P. State Fair- grounds took care of the environmental issues, and the list goes on and on. Changes are in store for the Tour beginning with the name. In the past it was known as the LPGA Futures Tour. Beginning this year it is known as the Symetra Tour, Road to the LPGA. Symetra, a Bell- vue, Washington-based provider of employee benefits, annuities and life insurance signed a multi-year agreement securing the naming rights for the Symetra Tour. - The date: Working in conjunction with Symetra Tour officials, we adjusted the date to June 29, 30 and July 1, 2012. This is ad- vantageous to the Tour, our committee of organizers and allows Sweetgrass to be at its peak for the players. - More volunteers as caddies and scorers: The tour is converting to all caddies. No longer will the players be allowed to put their bag on a cart. Either a caddy or the player herself must carry the bag. While some players employ caddies, most do not. Therefore, vol- unteers will be needed. - Real-time scoring was previously done on designated holes on the front and back. Now scorers will be needed on every other hole. - Golf Clinic sponsorship opportunities. ( Continue on Page 3…) Each month, Shorelines will include “Meet Our Fu- ture Leaders.” Look on page 9 to meet the first three members of the 2012 Delta Force. The page will also include “Delta Force Journal,” a monthly piece about the program from the perspective of a 2012 Delta Force member. June 29, 30, July 1, 2012

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February 2012 Chamber Shorelines

Delta County Chamber of Commerce—February 2012 

Ten years and Counting

In 2002, six major community organizations united to create a program where participants would be introduced to the dynamics that impact Delta County. Delta County Chamber of Commerce, Delta County Economic Development Alliance, Michigan Works! The Job Force Board, Bay College, MeadWestvaco, and the Daily Press developed the first Delta Force program with hopes that it would have classes filled to capacity for the first 5 years. Their hope did not take into consideration the strong community sup-port and participant enthusiasm that established with the first class and has followed through this year. The support continued to show this year with record number of students. The Delta Force class of 2012 marks the 10th Anniversary of this regionally recognized program. The goal is to continuously pre-pare community leaders to reinforce Delta County in the near fu-ture. Each member of this class, like all past members, has been identified as an individual with leadership qualities. In the past 10 years, Delta Force has invited more than 100 community members to acknowledge their strengths and share them with the commu-nity. “Let him who would be moved to convince others,

be first moved to convince himself.” Thomas Carlyle

In addition to leadership development, Delta Force maintains an organic networking process in which new members from profit and non-profit organizations form professional relationships. Fur-thermore, these new members have the opportunity to interact with past members. Vickie Micheau, one of the founders of Delta Force, believes the program continues to be relevant after 10 years because of the inclusion of new ideas from former members. Each of them brings strength to the program, but when they complete the program, their strength has multiplied. Delta Force tries to maintain these assets in-house. Delta Force is made of Delta Force.

Sweetgrass – Let’s Do It Again

Over a year ago the Island Resort & Casino em-barked on a task to acquire a pro-fessional golf tour-nament to be played on the highly touted Sweetgrass golf

course. The result is the Island Resort Championship at Sweet-grass, a tournament produced in partnership with the LPGA Fu-tures Tour. The inaugural tournament was held June 24-26, 2011 and exceeded everyone’s expectations. Fans, players and tour offi-cials were extremely complimentary and appreciative in their com-ments and correspondence and many agreed it was the best tour stop they ever experienced. Heady stuff for a first event, to be sure. We knew to continue the success meant we couldn’t stand still, because these days, if you’re standing still you’re losing ground. We had a follow-up meeting a month later to discuss the event and present ideas to improve upon it. From day one our goal has been to make this the best and biggest tournament of its kind. Those things don’t happen overnight and absolutely do not happen with-out the commitment of a dedicated group of volunteers and essen-tial community support. The Delta Commerce Center was vital with Vickie Micheau and John Lewandowski coordinating all vol-unteer staffing requirements; The YMCA’s Caron Salo organized housing for the players; Herb Pomeroy of the U.P. State Fair-grounds took care of the environmental issues, and the list goes on and on. Changes are in store for the Tour beginning with the name. In the past it was known as the LPGA Futures Tour. Beginning this year it is known as the Symetra Tour, Road to the LPGA. Symetra, a Bell-vue, Washington-based provider of employee benefits, annuities and life insurance signed a multi-year agreement securing the naming rights for the Symetra Tour. - The date: Working in conjunction with Symetra Tour officials, we adjusted the date to June 29, 30 and July 1, 2012. This is ad-vantageous to the Tour, our committee of organizers and allows Sweetgrass to be at its peak for the players. - More volunteers as caddies and scorers: The tour is converting to all caddies. No longer will the players be allowed to put their bag on a cart. Either a caddy or the player herself must carry the bag. While some players employ caddies, most do not. Therefore, vol-unteers will be needed. - Real-time scoring was previously done on designated holes on

the front and back. Now scorers will be needed on every other hole.

- Golf Clinic sponsorship opportunities. ( Continue on Page 3…)

Each month, Shorelines will include “Meet Our Fu-ture Leaders.” Look on page 9 to meet the first three members of the 2012 Delta Force. The page will also include “Delta Force Journal,” a monthly piece about the program from the perspective of a 2012 Delta Force member.

June 29, 30, July 1, 2012

February 2012 2 Chamber Shorelines

Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Chair Lorna Charlevoix Upper Peninsula State Bank Chair Elect Deb Doyle Michigan Works! The Job Force Board Past Chair Dave Anthony Hannahville Indian Community Directors Carol Dollhopf Garceau, Wenick-Kutz, Magowan Josh Durst Edward Jones Scott Herioux Hannahville Indian Community Sue Koch Gladstone Motel Jennifer LaChance Jennifer LaChance Photography Brenda Lippens Delta County Credit Union Brad Mantela Dobber's Pasties Geri Nelson DTE Energy Beth Noreus Bay College Clay Peterson Northern Michigan Bank Lanna Scannell OSF St. Francis Hospital & Medical Group Curt Spreen Gladstone Super Value Chamber of Commerce Vickie Micheau Executive Director Sheila Krueger Associate Director/ Events Manager Kyle Doyle Member Services/ BX Exchange Tom Sinnaeve Accounting Economic Development Alliance Vicki Schwab Executive Director Suani Nieto Administrative Assistant Convention & Visitors Bureau Steve Masters Executive Director Shorelines Vol. 2012 No 1 January  2012 (USPS 003679) is published Monthly for $12 per year by the Delta County Area Chamber of Commerce, 230 Lud‐ington St, Escanaba, Mi 49829. Periodicals postage paid at Escanaba, Mi,. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:          Shorelines      230 Ludington St,      Escanaba, Mi 49829.

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$155 $815 (6 issues) $1445 (12 issues) Delta Chamber of Commerce

1/2 Page $105 $545 (6 issues) $965 (12 issues) 230 Ludington Street 1/4 Page $75 $383 (6 issues) $677 (12 issues) Escanaba, MI 49829 1/8 Page $55 $275 (6 issues) $485 (12 issues) V: 906-786-2192

F: 906-786-8830 email: [email protected]

Shorelines is the official publication of the Delta County Area Chamber of Commerce. DISPLAY ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES

From the Waterfront By Vickie Micheau, Executive Director

Delta County Commerce Center ~ The Collaboration Station A quick dip into your favorite dictionary will show you that the word collaborate means to “work together.” The advantages and effectiveness of a collaborative effort is epitomized by the working relationship of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Alliance, Builders Exchange and the Con-vention and Visitors Bureau. Not only do all the organizations now share office space and support personnel, but we also share a desire to see that all our eco-nomic development missions are accomplished. The most obvious benefits of our organizations’ partnership are maximized re-sources and minimized duplication of administrative services resulting in better service to our community. In our lines of work, collaboration is not only good it is essential if we are going to continue to work toward economic growth and prosperity. This growth becomes easier as more organizations work together for the common good. At one time, the Chamber of Commerce was one of the only economic develop-ment players in the county and the only place to call for those requesting infor-mation and assistance. That’s not surprising when you consider that over the course of 400 years, Chambers developed name recognition; they were and still are the place to contact with questions about tourism and economic develop-ment. As communities began to actively compete for tourism and business develop-ment activity, the need for pro-active organizations became apparent. The Chamber was part of the collaborative effort that originated the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Builders Exchange and the Economic Development Alli-ance, whose sole purposes are to aggressively compete for tourism and business development dollars. By sharing office space in the Delta County Commerce Center, we truly send the unified message that, for business or pleasure, our waterfront community is “the” place to be! In addition to actively representing business interests with a strong advocacy presence, our organizations work together to offer education and networking opportunities. On May 30th, the Commerce Center organizations will host a Tourism Summit offering a variety of workshops and round table discussion groups. Co-sponsored by Michigan Works! and the UPWard Tourism Commit-tee, this is another example of the collaborative effort of the Commerce Center and many other groups to provide important professional development semi-nars that will be beneficial to our entire area. Collaboration among healthy, positive organizations such as the Chamber, EDA, Builders Exchange and CVB is essential to the success of community develop-ment endeavors. Just likeTimbuk3’s inspirational lyric, we all work together to help create a future so bright, we gotta wear shades! A statement you will fre-quently hear at the Commerce Center.

February 2012 3 Chamber Shorelines

What’s News with Chamber Members Marquette General Honored Nationally

as one of the 2011 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For Marquette General was recently selected as one of the country's Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in 2011 by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR). In early 2011, as well as 2010, Marquette General had been recognized as one of West Michigan’s 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For, prior to being named a winner on the national list. Winning companies were evaluated in the following catego-ries: communication, community initiatives, compensation and benefits, diversity and multiculturalism, employee edu-cation and development, employee engagement and com-mitment, recognition and retention, recruitment and selec-tion, and work-life balance. “We recognize that our employees are the heart of our or-ganization and the drivers behind our success," said A. Gary Muller, FACHE, Marquette General and Superior Health Partners President and CEO. "Being selected na-tionally as a Best and Brightest company validates our com-mitment to our employees who have stood strong and worked hard through the changes our organization made over the past several years. The overall success of our or-ganization can be attributed to their hard work and dedica-tion.” With more than 10 years of experience conducting Best and Brightest Company competitions, the National Association for Business Resources (NABR) have identified numerous best HR practices and provided benchmarking for compa-nies that continue to be leaders in employment standards. “Nationally recognized award recipients keep innovative human resource initiatives at the forefront of their com-pany culture and make it a priority to consider their work-force as an essential aspect in their company success. Our Association is proud to recognize and honor these winning companies for this fine achievement,” said Jennifer Kluge, NABR president. Companies that have been selected to be recognized nation-ally as a Best and Brightest Company to Work For™ will be featured in January’s online edition of Corp! Magazine. The winning companies will also receive additional recognition as national winner at a Best and Brightest Companies to Work For™ awards symposium and gala at a location of their choosing in several U.S. cities. Based in Warren, Mich., the National Association for Busi-ness Resources (NABR) is a business organization of small to medium-sized businesses, representing more than 20,000 members who employ over 200,0000 persons na-tionally.

Road to the LPG (Continued from page 1) - Addition of skyboxes. - Improvements in food service for volunteers. We’re confident the community will once again respond posi-tively. The response last year was overwhelming and the enthusi-asm so great. Nor can we overlook the sponsors that made this event possible. We anticipate another superb tournament week with the pro-ams, the raffle prizes, the ticket sales that benefit non-profits and all the other activities that set us apart. We can all take pride in the tournament. It doesn’t just highlight Sweetgrass. It highlights the beautiful U.P. and Delta County and the people that make us who we are. Co-chairs of the event are Tribal Attor-ney Tony Mancilla and Marketing Director Susan K. Harris. For m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , c o n t a c t t h e I s l a n d a t www.islandresortandcasino.com or www.facebook.com/islandresortandcasino. About the Symetra Tour In its 31st competitive season in 2011, the Symetra Tour has be-come the world’s largest international women’s developmental tour. As the “Road to the LPGA,” the Tour has remained commit-ted to developing LPGA stars of tomorrow and creating viable role models for youth today. The top 10 money winners each season earn automatic membership on the LPGA Tour. With more than 300 alumnae as current members of the LPGA, former Symetra Tour players have won a total of 359 LPGA titles, including 38 major championships. Symetra Tour events have contributed nearly $5 million to charitable organizations throughout the na-tion since 1989. Follow the Symetra Tour on the web at www.lpgafuturestour.com, www.facebook.com/RoadtotheLPGA, www.twitter.com/ROAD2LPGA, and www.youtube.com/ROAD2LPGA.

Economic Club Welcomes Hometown Achiever

Stephen Anzalone The Bay Area Economic Club will welcome Stephen Anzalone to their March 5th Event. Anzalone, an Escanaba graduate, is the Vice President of the Education Development Center (EDC) in Wash-ington, DC. EDC, an international, nonprofit organization with 1,700 employees, currently undertakes more than 300 projects in all fifty U.S. States and in thirty-five countries across the world. He is the Washington-based Director of a U.S. Presidential Initia-tive, begun in the Bush Administration, to improve basic educa-tion in Indonesia. He provides oversight to projects funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development in Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. The presentation will look at how the United States assists the improvement of education in developing countries. It will exam-ine the reasons why such assistance has been forthcoming during the past fifty years. It will lead to inviting the audience to consider whether the US can or should continue spending on foreign aid to help other countries at a time when public spending is being cut at home. The event begins with networking and hors’ de vours at 5:15. The speaker will begin at 6pm. Non-member tickets for the event are $30. For additional information, or to make a reservation, contact Sheila Krueger at 786-2192 or [email protected]

Member Spotlight

February 2012 4 Chamber Shorelines

Sharing information from and about our fabulous Chamber members. Did you know...

...that Dr. Marty Laurila, Chiropractor of Health-Quest Escanaba, assisted Dr. Sol Cogan on the sidelines with the Detroit Lions while they played the Green Bay Packers on New Years Day? ...that Kenworth Wisconsin is expanding its operations to Escanaba? ...that Gladstone Ski Hill is opened:Monday 4-8:30 Tuesday and Wednesday closed Thursday 4-8:30Friday- 4-8:30Sat and Sunday noon -6pm? ...that the UP Ice Masters 300 was postponed due to the unseasonably warm temps but has been rescheduled to the Weekend of February 24th. ...that United Way of Delta County offers FamilyWise Prescription Cards? Which allow people without prescrip-tion insurance to get their prescriptions filled at a dis-counted rate! Any questions about this service contact Julie Mallard at United Way of Delta County - 906-786-3736

Advertisement

February 2012 5 Chamber Shorelines

The Upper Peninsula State Fair is leading the way for other Michi-gan fairs and livestock shows with the use of modern technology. Although most fairgoers will be unaware of the change, a new con-cept in animal identification will be implemented at the 2012 Up-per Peninsula State Fair, August 13-19. All steers pre-entered in this year’s fair event will be inserted with a microchip placed in the fold of the animal’s ear. A special scanner sends a harmless radio signal to the tiny microchip and “reads” the chip similar to the way items are scanned at the grocery store check-out. Livestock branding is a technique for marking livestock that began as early as 2,000 B.C. Pictures on the walls of Egyptian tombs show that cattle were branded back then. The Spanish were the first to brand cattle in the American West and eventually the prac-tice spread throughout the West to deter cattle rustling. Identifica-tion of livestock is now used for various reasons including using marks to establish ownership of an animal and, in larger herds, to

make it possible to distinguish animals from one another. Various forms of livestock identification include hot branding, freeze branding, lip or ear tattoos, earmarking, ear tagging, DNA testing, RFID tagging and the newest technique – insertion of a microchip from a sterile, pre-loaded syringe. The decision to implement the use of microchips at this year’s fair was recommended by the U.P. State Fair Livestock Advisory Com-mittee as a means to positively identify every steer that is entered at the fair. Steers must be pre-entered by the deadline date of February 15, 2012. Specific locations throughout the Upper Peninsula will then be determined and exhibitors advised where and when to bring their steers for insertion of the microchip by a licensed veterinar-ian . The process is expected to be completed in early March. This is a new and exciting endeavor as the U.P. State Fair paves the way for innovative ideas and livestock show improvements.

Upper Peninsula State Fair Sandy Groleau, UPSF Exhibitor’s Manager

Did you know… (continued from page 4)

...that the Chamber is still getting rave reviews about Players de Noc members and their exceptional perform-ance at the Chamber's Annual Dinner. ...that the Chamber proc-essed more than $36,000 in gift certificates through De-cember? Purchasing Chamber Gift Certificates ensures that money is spent locally at mem-ber businesses and helps build the area economy. This is a great opportunity to give the recipient the ability to purchase exactly what they want or may need. ...that Water's Edge Chiropractic PLC has massage therapy gift certificates available for that special someone on Valentine's Day? … that Sviland’s has a wide selection of Fine Art Supplies? 10% student discount and gift certificates available. ...that Jennifer LaChance Photography offers contemporary portraiture for expectant mothers, newborns, children, and high school seniors? Check out her work on Facebook or at www.jenniferlachancephotography.com. ...that the Gladstone Schools “FIRST” Robotics Team will be hosting a 5k Run Fundraiser on March 3rd. Pre-registration is 20$ with T-shirt, $15 without T-shirt. The money raised will go to-wards expenses for the regional competition.

New Identification Technique: Microchip Technology

February 15th, 2012 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Sponsored by

Community Foundation for Delta County

& Marquette General

Health Systems

Location: Danforth Place

Players de Noc Members pose for a picture after their performance at the Chamber’s

Annual Dinner.

February 2012 6 Chamber Shorelines

Delta County Economic Development Alliance

Vicki Schwab, Executive Director

UP Native expands business and jobs a “Creative” way

Brad McPhee, a native of the UP, had envisioned returning to Delta County to build the future. In 2000, he moved his com-pany, Creative Composites, into their current facility in Rapid River. By January of 2009, his company had hired 8 people, and today the number of employees have grown to 23. Creative Composites focuses on design and engineering analysis of composite structures, including soy-based materials. Biocom-

posites can combine various plant fibers and resins to form unique composite ma-terials. Also known as Natu-ral Fiber Reinforced Plastics (NFRP), Biocomposites can be lighter, stronger, flexible, and more environmentally friendly compared to tradi-tional steel and fiberglass. The staff of Creative Com-posites is interested in new technology development to assist their customers. They provide analytical, engineer-ing, development, and fabri-cation to fit customers’

needs. Their constant research allowed this company to continue developing their own technology. An example is their newly de-veloped solid lubricant biocomposite made of a combination of soy based lubricant, natural fibers, and traditional resins. The resulting material is an industrial lubricant that can be molded into any shape. This product continues to be tested in a variety of applications. This company has entered new markets and new product lines with measured planning. Their success with the defense industry has earned average revenues of $3.5 million the past 3 years. When CEO, Brad Mcphee, learned about the Upper Michigan Green Aviation Coalition (UMGAC), he eagerly became an active steering committee member. This group is made of private and public sector members, and stakeholders who are participating in the creation of an industry cluster surrounding the concept of green aviation. Their mission is to join forces to develop new business opportunities while creating jobs. They want to promote investment and develop and commercialize new technology. Brad views the networking opportunity UMGAC offers as a chance to look at new markets, new products, and new partner-ships faster than ever before. Now, they are able to sit across the table from Boeing, Bombadier, GE Aviation, NASA, and others to hear how they need them to move forward. What Creative Composite brings to Delta County is not only jobs; this company brings to Delta County the vision to develop more employment opportunities through new markets and new tech-nology. Green to them, is more than just a law, or a fad, it is a business opportunity. According to Brad: “Renewables; energy, materials, processes, not only are here to stay, they make sense, especially in the long run. We can expend the effort uselessly

resisting the flow of progress or we can position ourselves to add to it.” We are so proud that Creative Composites is adding to progress in our Delta County Community.

Basic Marine recognized as Operation Action U.P. 2011 Award Winner

On Jan 27th, 2012 Operation Action U.P. held its Annual Meeting in Marquette where Basic Marine was recognized as a 2011 award winner.

Situated on 38 acres of waterfront property in the naturally protected harbor of northern lake Michigan’s Little Bay de Noc, Basic Marine’s services reach customers from across the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico via the Illinois and Mississippi waterways, around the horn to the West Coast, to the East Coast via the St. Lawrence River or the Erie Ca-nal, and anywhere in between. Ever since 1979, Basic Marine has been serving their cus-tomers throughout the nation by providing custom-built steel vessels, dry-docking for marine repairs, specialty hauling of customers’ heavy, oversized equipment and much more. From barges to buoys to ferries, quality prevails at Basic Marine. Their custom-built steel vessels are delivered on-time, with workmanship, paint and equipment warranties, at competitive prices. With 20-25 permanent employees and anywhere from 7-20 subcontractors working for them at any given time, Ba-sic Marine has huge economic impact in Delta County and beyond. According to Economic Modeling Specialists, the average wage per worker in Delta County for ship building is $40,000. That’s certainly a family-sustaining wage for our region. Additionally, according to EMSI for every ship-building job in Delta County, two other jobs are created. Ultimately Basic Marine is supporting 75 of our residents as a net-exporter, by bringing in dollars and wealth from outside the area. There are no other shipbuilders of Basic Marine’s size and capabilities in the state of Michigan, and the company holds its own in a competitive U.S. market with long term relationships with the Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Geographical Survey and Department s of Transportation among others. To date, Basic Marine has completed and delivered 214 vessels, and has another one underway. (continue on page 7…)

Creative Composites employee Rocky Ansell working on a com-ponent for the military.

February 2012 7 Chamber Shorelines

Keeping It Green and Local: Great Lakes First Federal Credit Union expands

and remodels Great Lakes First Federal Credit Union observed a very spe-cial day on December 21, 2011, with its Grand Re-Opening/Member Appreciation celebration. A ribbon cutting cere-mony was held with the Delta County Ambassadors, credit union board members,and employees in attendance. The credit union began construction in October 2010 with a plan to remodel and expand its existing Escanaba office. The project involved adding approximately 3,000 square feet and a total redesign of the interior and exterior of the existing structure. The redesign also included the parking lot and drive thru of the credit union. Prior to the actual start of construction, the credit union purchased the lot adjacent to the credit union, from the City of Escanaba, which included an old city well. This purchase enabled the credit union to pursue the utilization of a geo-thermal heating and air conditioning system in the project. The well, which is 817 feet deep, provided an excellent source for geothermal options.

Once the lot was purchased by the credit union, the board of directors decided to try and make the project as “green” or energy efficient as possible. The energy efficient aspects of the remodeled building included LED and energy saving lighting (both inside and outside), high efficiency doors and windows throughout the building and increased insulation on the exterior walls and roof. The credit union initiated the next step by looking at solar energy as a part of the project. Green Energy Solutions of Cedarville, Michigan installed a 21.6 kilowatt solar panel system in the south roof of the building and drive thru. We believe the credit union is one of, if not the first, financial

institutions in the Upper Peninsula to have both solar and geothermal components in their building. The expanded/remodeled credit union now includes spa-cious offices, a cozy lobby, fireproof storage options, ex-panded drive thru and additional ATM machine, walk up ATM in the front foyer and drive up ATM in the first drive thru lane. The credit union strived to utilize local or Upper Peninsula contractors in every aspect of the construction and would like to thank the following: general contractor- Dawley Log Homes, engineers behind the design work- Bittner Engi-neering and Rhoades Engineering, electrical contractor- Rapid Electric, plumbing and heating contractors- De-Hooghe and Viau and Albert Heating and Cooling. Also would like to thank Jeff’s Glass, Rock Road Masonry, Frank Nelson Well Drilling, Gary Johnson Construction, Brunette Excavating, Anderson Excavating, Cook’s Signs, Green Energy Solutions, Borman’s Landscaping, A-1 Water Systems, and Biehl Asphalt. Great Lakes First Federal Credit Union has a membership size of approximately 10,000 and has two other branch lo-cations in Gladstone and Rapid River. The credit union was very pleased to remain open for business every day during a construction project of this size. They are very proud of their expanded and remodeled building and would like to thank all members for their patience during the project.

Basic Marine (Continued from page 6) According to Terrie Peters, Controller, “Basic Marine looks forward to continuing operations from its sole location in Escanaba ~ where people take pride in the work they accomplish. With that in mind, the next time you see a vessel leaving Basic Marine, you now know that vessel was proudly hand-crafted right here in the heart of the U.P.” Award winners are outstanding businesses or major institu-tional employers who have contributed to the economic well being of their area in the Upper Peninsula. Nominations were solicited from businesses, chambers of commerce, eco-nomic developers and the general public across the U.P. In addition to Basic Marine, the 2011 Awards of Excellence winners honored at the meeting included Western Lime Corporation of Gulliver, and Potlatch of Gwinn.

Members in the Spotlight

December 21, 2011– Great Lakes First Federal Credit Union grand reopening and ribbon cutting.

SAVE THE DATE MAY 30, 2012

UP TOURISM SUMMIT COSPONSORED BY:

DELTA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MICHIGAN WORKS! THE JOB FORCE BOARD

UPWARD INITIATIVE TOURISM COMMITTEE

February 2012 8 Chamber Shorelines

Issues and Answers: Flexible Work Opportunities for Our Community

Issues and Answers has provided quality market research services for the last 22 years. Issues and Answers is an independent global marketing research firm that provides research services including survey and sam-pling design, in-house data collection, project management, and data analy-sis and interpretation. Headquartered in Virginia Beach, it has branched in Escanaba and Houghton, Michi-gan. Overall, the call centers provide

400 computer assisted telephone interviewing stations with 50 available here in Escanaba. Issues and Answers overall has completed more than 12,000 projects. The most misunderstood concept that people have of Issues and Answers is that they are a telemarketing company. Issues and Answers is not a telemarketing company because their interviewers do not sell a product or service, do not raise funds for any organization, and do not attempt to collect on retail credit accounts. To the contrary, this company uses the phone to measure public opinions on products and services, or meas-ure opinions on political and social issues. The strength of the Escanaba office is based on their high qual-ity interviewers. Each interviewer is trained for the methodol-ogy needed for each client’s project. The projects can include political research, attitude and awareness studies, advertising tests, and customer satisfaction. With the support of the man-agement staff, the interviewers continue to polish their skills through every project. It is through these interviewers that companies understand their customers better, that opinion polls on political candidates can be published, and products are modified. You can say that the interviewers’ work contrib-utes to America’s high standard of living. The Escanaba office employs about 90 individuals who have the choice to work one of the two weekday shifts: 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. On weekends the hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sun-days. The employee must work three shifts per week including one weekend shift; Of course, they can work more if they want. The work atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. Each in-terviewer has their style, but each needs to maintain survey protocol. Lisa Becks, administrative assistant, explains that the attrac-tiveness of working for Issues and Answers is the flexibility of the work schedule. Each employee has the opportunity to set their own schedule. This type of flexibility makes this job great for college students, supplemental income for those that have a full time job and need some extra cash, retirees, and par-ents. “I started working for Issues and Answers when my son was very young, “explains Lisa. “I had the opportunity to ac-commodate all my kid’s events without losing hours.” Issues and Answers provides a great working atmosphere and flexi-bility right here in our community.

Oven King Pizza: The love for their customers show

Tucked in the heart of Escanaba, lives a King that is followed by many on Facebook. Oven King Pizza has been part of this commu-nity since September 1, 2006 and it’s owned and managed by Brian Hammond, and Ron Ketcham. They offer pizzas, toasted subs, salads, wings, nachos, and bread-sticks. Their services includes deliv-ery and takeout. At first glance, it is your conven-tional good pizza place, but there is something else that makes this pizza place popular. Their Face-book page is buzzing with com-ments from supporters near and far; “Best pizza in town”, one Face-book fan added to their page, and “One thing I miss about Esky...is your pizza!” said another melancholic fan. It makes one think that those who are not familiar with this restaurant might be missing a good dinner option; 651 likes on Facebook would not lie.

“Best pizza in town.” Facebook Fan Brian, owner and manager, explains that all their pizzas are good, but if you haven’t tasted their Cordon Blue, then you are in for a treat. This is a pizza made with creamy ranch dressing and Two Cheese blend base sauce; chicken and ham pack the top layer. Margaret, an employee, believes their customers love the warm and toasted Italian sandwich. When asked what makes it so special, Brian answers, “We have the best salami in town.” “And we make it with love.” Margaret adds. The love for their customers not only shows on their delicious food items but also on their walls. As you come in, you are welcomed with pictures of smiling customers. Their customer service could be what separates Oven King from the rest. Their customer rewards pro-gram gives one point for every $1 spent with them. When the cus-tomer reaches 250 points, they get a one topping King size pizza. This again might seem like an ordinary rewards program with a “punch card”. But Oven King Pizza goes above the regular customer service experience by not requiring their customers to keep track of their own points with a punch card. Instead, the employees keep track of your points based on your name, or phone number. And if you only need a quick inexpensive lunch, run in for a slice. Oven King cares for all, especially those with small budgets. Among all their popular items, you can find $1.25 slices. Try Oven King Pizza Today: (906) 789-1700

Customer pictures adorn the entrance of Oven King Pizza

Issues and Answer is located on 2600 College Ave. Escanaba, MI

Brian Hammond gets slices ready for the lunch rush.

New Member Spotlights

February 2012 9 Chamber Shorelines

Mary Robus

Home Town: Auburndale, WI

Family: Single Occupation: Technical Engineer Employer: New Page, Escanaba Interests: Volleyball, Softball

Chamber Programs In the Spotlight... Meet Our Future Leaders

Joy Hopkins

Home Town: Red Wing, Minnesota

Family:Dennis, Husband /Bethany

and Stacy, Daughters Occupation: Nursing Leadership Employer: OSF St. Francis Hospital Interests: Cross Country Skiing,

Kayaking, Rescue Animals

Vicki Griggs

Home Town: Rapid River, MI

Family:David Griggs Jr., Husband Ryan Griggs, Stepson Ashley Griggs, Stepdaughter Occupation: Island Resort & Casino

Supervisor Employer: Island Resort & Casino Interests: American Association of University Women

Delta Force Journal 2012: January, by Suani Nieto

January 20- After a satisfying dinner, an icebreaker was in order. Delta Force members and facilitators sat in a circle. Each had been paired up to introduce each other. I met a nice young woman, who writes the newsletter for the Han-nahville Community. Thankfully, she had a friendly de-meanor that eased my nervousness. I left feeling a little skeptical. Leadership programs tend to treat the listeners like they are big children, and I just hoped this program would continue the course of treating us like adults. January 21st- 9:00 a.m. I thought I needed a muffin and cof-fee to keep me awake during the presentation. I wasn’t aware that three very enthusiastic gentlemen were about to give a very entertaining leadership/motivational session. As adults, most of us probably had heard some of the informa-tion, but had never seen it presented in such an upbeat man-ner. Their style was eccentric and original. The three speak-ers interchanged turns to explain a point; while one was speaking, the other two would serve sometimes as props. In my head, the BBD will forever be the three musketeers. During the session, the term “bubbles” was mentioned a few times to explain the ideas, or thoughts, that pop in your head during the session. I think this term will come up again through out the 10 months. I don’t know why we can’t just call them thoughts instead of bubbles; I am pretty sure, the term will grow on me. January 26th- 8:30 a.m. Through a DISC profiling system, each member was given a profile describing their style of leadership and typical behaviors that accompany each style. I tried not to fight it, but I just didn’t see myself as a C, or someone who flourishes in a structured environment. The profile also called me creative; I can live with that. I looked back at my past places of employment, and I could see my-

self enjoying those that had more structure for me but al-lowed some wiggle room for creativity. When I was a kid, my work was a little “sloppy”, but teachers always praised my creativity (Example: using crude construction paper puppets to present the life of a Greek god). I would get good grades for following directions. Later in the day, after delicious pizza/salad/soup lunch, we touched on what seemed to be a delicate subject, the pro-posed homeless shelter. The presenters had two objectives: To introduce the idea of “third places” and to show the im-portance of information; specially, the source of informa-tion. Third places are those places where an individual so-cializes that do not include work or home. These third places make up an individual’s community. What would happened to an individual when work or home or both were out of the picture. The idea that you might need a third place to live, could be hard to comprehend for an individual who has never lost a job, or had an economic hardship that may jeopardize their home. This is where the homeless shel-ter came to play. The presenter asked us to read a headline that said, “Homeless Shelter Proposed.” Then, she pre-sented us with a little more information from the media. Lastly, she gave us information about what had been re-ceived during a local government meeting. During this part of the session, a third concept was introduced, the idea of value blocks. Each one of us has value blocks and stack them according to what we value the most. The top block is the highest value. My highest block, “helping others”, was shaken during this session. While a homeless shelter would help some, if positioned incorrectly in the community, it could potentially affect someone’s business. If this is a local small business, then it can affect someone’s livelihood. I left the session hoping for a little more time on this discussion; And wondering how else my highest values will be shaken during the next 10 months.

February 2012 10 Chamber Shorelines

Community Calendar of Events If you would like to receive this information on a regular basis through email or fax, or to add an event to our website or database, please call the Chamber at 906-786-2192 or email your request to [email protected]. This is the best way to be sure that you are getting the most up to date in-

2/10-2/12 Mites to Men Pond Hockey Tournament

Pond Hockey Tournament along with Food Concessions, Raffles and 50/50 Drawings

4 Pm Friday FREE Ludington Park Aronson Island

Escanaba Rec Dept 786-4111

2/10 Hooray for Hollywood Cabaret Join us for an evening of hors d’oeuvres and entertainment by favorite local performers in the intimate setting of the Arts Center studio.

Tickets $15 for gen-eral public, $12 for Arts Center mem-bers- 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Bonifas FA 906-786-3833 ext. 16

2/12 Rock Lions Breakfast Buffet The Rock Lions ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT breakfast buffet will take place on Sunday, February 12th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rock Lions Club on M-35 in Rock.

Adults $8, ages 6 – 12, $5, ages 5 and under are free

For more information, call Kathy at 906-356-6203

2/12 Marquette Symphony at Bay College

Love is in the air concert 3:00 PM $10

786-5802

2/17—2/18 Josh Turner Island Resort & Casino $33 8:00 PM 906-466-2941 ext 5001

2/18 5th Annual Gladstone Snowshoe Shuffle Run/Walk

Mid Winter fun for adults, kids and families - All proceeds go to local Knights of Columbus

Families $45 Kids 12 & under $15 every-one else $19 Registration - 9:00 AM Race - 10:00 Am

Mike Klimkowski 906-233-9466

2/18 Bob Cary Benefit 3PM—Midnight UPSF Ruth Butler Building

Www.bobcarybenefit.com

2/9—2/12 Hilltop RV Superstore Ruth Butler Building @ UPSF Hilltop RV 786-7986

2/15 Business After Hours Sponsored by Community Foundation for Delta County & Marquette General Health Sys-tems

Danforth Place @ 5:00 PM

Delta Cham-ber 786-2192

2/24-2/26 U.P. Ice Masters 300 Snowmobile Racing on an Ice Oval

$10 per day $15 for the weekend. 12 and under free with paid adult.

Steve Mas-ters 789-7862

2/25 Walk for Warmth Registration from 9-10:00 a.m. at the Elks Lodge and the walk starting at 10:00.

Cathy Pear-son @ 786-7080

2/25 Jackson Cash Tribute to the Man in Black

EHS Auditorium 8 PM Advance Tickets $15 available @ The Re-cord Rack $20 at the door

906-786-4005

2/26 28th Annual Slip-Sliding-Away 5 Mile Run

2 PM HealthQuest Escanaba $3 in advance $5 on race day

John Vrancic 789-1237

February 2012 11 Chamber Shorelines

Member Information

Thanks to our renewing members for continuing their rela-tionship with the Chamber and our business community. Please keep them in mind and think Chamber first for all goods and services.

January Renewals

WELCOME

NEW MEMBERS Wisconsin Kenworth, LLC 2717 Danforth Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829 Tim Jonson, Vice President (608) 241 5616 wisconsinkenworth.com Diesel Trucks– Parts and Service Issues and Answers 2600 College Ave., Escanaba, MI 49829 Patti Johnson, Manager (906) 789-3454 issans.comI Global marketing firm Upper Peninsula Telephone Company D/B/A Michigan Broadband Services 397 US 41 N, Carney, Michigan 49812 David C. Hoover, Manager (906) 639-2111 michbbs.com Communication Solutions for residential and busi-ness clients without geographic restriction Wells Lions Club 4106 18th Rd Wells, MI 49894 (906) 398-8996 [email protected] Non-profit service Organization HVS Advertising and Marketing 2021 S. Webster Avenue, Green Bay, WI 54301 Ron Peterson, Sam Hutchison, Dough Hutchison, Owners (920) 430-5131 1(800) 236 4000 hysproductions.com Full service advertising and marketing firm Oven King Pizza, Inc. 306 Stephenson Ave., Escanaba, MI 49829 Brian Hammond, Ron Ketcham, Owners (906) 789-1700 Take out/Delivery: Freshly made pizza, subs, winds, and Nachos

Alliance Against Violence & Abuse Bay View Truck & Auto Service Bayshore Resort/Bait & Tackle

Besse Forest Products Canadian National

Central UP Industrial Supply, Inc. Company B Graphic Design

Country Roads D&B Equipment Repair & Auto Body

D&L Janitorial Derouin's Auto Body & Collision

DTE Escanaba Area Public Schools

Escanaba Veterinary Clinic First Bank

Garden Gallery Good Life Press, The

Gust Asp/Rebedon, Inc. Hannahville Indian Community

Holmquist Feed Mill, Inc. Ideal Contractors/Drywall Specialists

Kip House LaChance, Jennifer

Lions Club, Bark River Medical Care Access Coalition, Inc.

Northern Screen Printing & Embroidery Paulson, Kathy

Picture Perfect Window Cleaning Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Riverside Auto Sales, Inc. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

Timberdoodle Lodge Wally's Bar & Grill

Wickert Floral Company Wilson's Retreat

Wise Amusements

230 Ludington Street Escanaba, Michigan 49829 906-786-2192 • 1-888 DeltaMI Fax 906-786-8830 [email protected] • www.DeltaMI.org

The Last Word for January, 2012

Shorelines Sponsors

These Chamber members help sponsor the monthly Communica-tor through their generous dona-tion of $120 per year. Bay de Noc Community College Bink’s Coca Cola Bottling Co. Butch, Quinn, Rosemurgy, Jardis, Burkhart, Lewandowski, and Miller Law Offices Community Foundation for Delta County Escanaba & Lake Superior Railroad First Bank Upper Michigan Hoegh Industries Inc. Northern Michigan Bank Schneider, Larche, Haapala and Company Upper Peninsula State Bank UP Mechanical Contractors/ UP Plumbers and Pipefitters Wells Fargo Bank

Chamber Contacts Walk-Ins 938 Phone Calls 402 Tourism Requests 15

Vital Statistics Source: Delta County Court House 2010 2011 Births 18 23 Deaths 23 35 Marriage 24 12 Licenses Divorces 12 12

Delta County Employment Source: Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth December 2011 Labor Force 18,400 Employed 16,625 Unemployed 1,750 Unemployment Rates: 2010–11.3% 2011–9.6%

Help Wanted Ads Source: Daily Press Column inches printed 2010—655.25 2011—1098.75 Construction/ Building Permits Issued Source: Cities of Escanaba and Glad-stone, Delta Co. November 2010 2011 Escanaba 5 5 Gladstone 0 5 Rest of 8 6 Delta County

Air Passenger Data Source: Delta County Airport Total enplanements 2010—860 2011—975

February 2012 12 Chamber Shorelines