May 2015 newsletter

Issue #34 May 2015

Our Superior Partners. Thank You!

Inside This Issue

Letter from the Executive Director 2New Chamber Members 3Returning Members 3Spring Golf 4-5Ribbon Cutting 7Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities 11Business After Hours 14 & 15Events Calendar 19

Photo by Chamber Staff

InBusiness is IN!

This past week we received the 2015 Edition of the InBusiness Magazine. The Ambassadors will be distributing what they can over the next couple of weeks. We will mail the InBusiness magazine out to those members they were unable to visit or you may stop by the office to pick up copies.

Please take a few moments to check out your listing. If you see any corrections that need to be made give us a call at the office and we will get the information changed in our systems.

Thank you to Lisa Dunnebacke and Carrie Richards for providing some new content, and the Daily Mining Gazette for taking the time to sell the advertising and for the publishing of the InBusiness magazine.

Thank you to Gretchen Tolksdorf and Lisa Dunnebacke for helping Cheryl with the editing process of the publication.

We hope everyone enjoys the information!

2 Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

We just completed our Lunch & Learn series on Social Media, Mobile Websites and Google Analytics/Search Engine Optimization (SEO). We had great positive feedback from those in attendance who want to see more! So, we are working with the presenter to expand the Social Media to hands on and a longer 2+ hour session. Please let us know if you have an interest in attending, we will be working on a date. We are also working on a Cyber Security presentation on what every business needs to know. Is there something else you would like to see? Please contact the Chamber office.

SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, October 7 and Thursday, October 8, 2015 Houghton/Hancock! Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference! This is a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with many organizations, communities, businesses and those interested in an entrepreneurial communities success and growth. We have opportunities for businesses to be involved by being a host venue site for a breakout session at your shop, store, café, office etc. Sessions have between 8 and 15 participants who will utilize what space is available – it’s meant to be cozy. Sessions last between 45 and 60 minutes, only space and electricity is needed. The Breakout Session tracks are:

• Growing Entrepreneurs: Tools & Resources for Communities & Entrepreneurs, • Building Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs – Youth as Entrepreneurs• Michigan, Our Green and Blue Economy• Arts, Ag and Culture

The conference has approximately 150-200 people in attendance. The Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference will engage, learn and share tools for local community & economic development through support for entrepreneurship. The MSU-Extension has opportunities for sponsorship to help support the CEC conference as well. We have more information on our website at www.keweenaw.orgplease forward to other communities that should be in attendance.

The Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce is in the process of starting a new Leadership Program with the help of business and community member’s support! We will be taking applications from companies who would like to send a key employee(s) and individuals who would like to participate in this great new program which will create new, engaged leaders in our community! Past leadership program participants from other communities are welcome to be part of our steering committee, please contact the Chamber office.

The Regional Chamber Alliance with other Western U.P. Chambers of Commerce are 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 hosted a Thirsty Thursday in Hancock on Thursday, April 16th. We had 52 people in attendance to hear the presenter Dr. Junhong Min and the ASMR student organization from Michigan Technological University on “Destination Tourism”. This research that was funded by the Baraga Chamber of Commerce.

We are in the final stages of working with Connect Michigan and WUPPDR to address Broadband concerns in the area, we would like to thank our business members and others for taking the Broadband Survey.

Continued on page 7 “Director”

Cheryl Fahrner, Executive Director

[email protected]

Keweenaw .org 3

Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce is pleased to recognize the dedication of our new and renewed members!

Board of Directors

Greg Seppanen, PresidentAssistant Vice President / TrustSuperior National Bank and [email protected]

Brian Donnelly, Vice PresidentBranch ManagerRiver Valley [email protected]

Matt Thyer, TreasurerOwnerUp and Running Technology [email protected]

Karin Van Dyke, SecretaryVice President for University RelationsFinlandia [email protected]

Lisa DunnebackeAssociate [email protected]

Lonie GliebermanOwnerMount [email protected]

Darrell GuitarAgentCentury 21 / North Country [email protected]

Beth HoyAssistant Director of Operations and

Industry Outreach Industry Relations TeamOffice of Innovation and Industry

EngagementMichigan Technological [email protected]

Carrie RichardsDual Career Program Coordinator Michigan Technological [email protected]

Welcome New Community

Partner!Magic Kiln StudioCatherine Hiltunen312 Quincy StreetHancock, MI [email protected]/magickilnstudio

Welcome Back, Developing

Partner!Portage Health Foundation

Welcome Back, Community

Partners!Barbara LaFex Lewis, AssociateBill’s B&B Book Concern PrintersCentury 21 / North Country AgencyCopper Country Intermediate School DistrictCrampton SurveyingCredit Services, Inc.Darrell Guitar, AssociateGreat Lakes AccountingGS EngineeringInSight EyeCareMcDonald’s Midwest Loan ServicesMiscowaubik ClubNicholas Insurance AgencyPortage Quilt HouseRukkila Negro and Associates, CPA, PCSarazin Dental Family DentalSand Hills Lighthouse InnSuomi Home Bakery & RestaurantSuperior Screed ServiceTolksdorf Realty and ForestryUp & Running Technology ServicesUP Oil CompanyWells Fargo BankWyandotte Hills Golf Club


Contests, Cash, & Prizes

Food & Refreshments

Register Today

Sponsorships

Lunch and drinks on the patio

Chamber Member Team - $340unless an Eagle Sponsor (includes carts)

Non-Chamber Member Team - $400(includes carts)

Skins - $20 per team

Mulligans - $10 per team (2 per player)

unless an Eagle Sponsor

Sign up as a pair - $180, sign up as an

individual - $90. This is team and cart

pricing only; mulligans, skins are

additional.

Call 906.482.5240 or email

[email protected] to register.

Par Sponsor- $100• Special recognition at the event

• Signage at 1 hole

• Listed on all materials given to players

• Listed in Chamber newsletter and Facebook

Birdie Sponsor- $350 (only 2)• Beverage sponsor for the day’s event

• Special recognition and introduction at the

event

• Your business name and logo on 144 drink

tickets



Eagle Sponsor- $650• Registration for 1 foursome at event

• Mulligans (2 per player)

• 2 carts

• Special recognition and introduction at the

event

• Opportunity to talk about your business.

• Sponsor signage at the entrance/exit of the

golf course

• Hole sponsorship

• Swag Bag Staples Sponsor (only available

with Eagle Sponsorship)



• Your product with logo put into all swag

bags (you provide 144 pieces)

Hole in One – Chance to win $10,000 cash (2

chances at cash! ),

Ford Vehicle (new this year… the Ford car is a give away versus

previous years when it was a leased vehicle.), Electronics or Golf

Equipment.

Keweenaw .org 5

Please email forms to

[email protected] or mail with check

or credit card information to: KCC. P.O.

Box 336, Houghton, MI 49931

17th Annual Golf Outing Registration Form

Pre-Registration Required (if paying at the door, an extra $20 charge will be applied)

9:00 am Check-In (Team Captain), 10:00 am Shotgun Start

Team Registration Sponsorship Opportunities

Includes Greens Fees, carts and Lunch

□ Chamber Member Foursome - $340(unless an Eagle Sponsor)

□ *Chamber Member Twosome - $180(we will pair you with another twosome)

□ *Chamber Member Individual - $90(we will pair you with additional players)

□ Non-Chamber Member Team - $400

□ Skins - $20 per team

□Mulligans - $10 per team (2 per player)

(unless an Eagle Sponsor)

Please Select you Choice(s)

□ Eagle Sponsor (Includes It ALL!) - $650

□ Birdie Sponsor - $350

□ Par Sponsor - $100

*This is player pricing only. Mulligans, skins and carts are additional.

Golfers Names

1.

2.

3.

4.

Company / Organization and Payment Information

Company / Organization Name: __________________________________________________________

Contact: ______________________________________ Phone: ______________________________

Address: ______________________________________ City: ________________________________

Email: _______________________________________________________________________________

Amount Enclosed: _______________ □ Check □ Visa □Mastercard □ Discover

Credit Card Number:________________________________________ Expiration Date: ___________

3 Digit CVS Code: ________________


Safe & Reliable Electricity

Customer Service

Proud Community Supporter

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

Learn more about us and how to

reduce your energy bills at

www.uppco.com

Superior Partner ad.

Keweenaw .org 7

DirectorContinued from page 2

We collaborated with many partners in the State of Michigan to address the service needs of the Upper Peninsula by encouraging the collocation on Michigan public safety communications system to provide service in high service needs areas. Check out the website: http://www.michiganbusiness.org/broadbandwhich also has an app available. We hope over the coming months service providers will continue making progress on expanding broadband services for identified gap areas.

We have been busy strengthening the core programs of the Chamber of Commerce and have some great new 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 to volunteer your time and further support “Your Chamber” – great things happen, when we all come together!

Wishing you all GREAT Business Success!

Cheryl


Construction of the new Aspirus Keweenaw

Hospital in Laurium is right on track with phase one

set for completion in July.

The 34,000 sq. ft. project includes a new

emergency center, ICU and medical/surgical unit.

The emergency center will have expanded trauma,

procedure and exam rooms, in addition to a drive-

under canopy at the entrance for patient drop-off.

There will be new in-patient hospital rooms,

including eight new pre- and post-surgical recovery

suites, and upgraded technology and

communication systems.

Designed with patients and visitors in mind, the

new hospital brings increased privacy, efficiency and

flow.

“The project is right on track and will live up to its

promise of bringing an incredibly functional, cost-

effective and efficient health care facility that is best

suited for the care of our community,” said Chuck

Nelson, Aspirus U.P. Regional CEO. “All in all, we are

giving an already great medical team and the

community a world-class facility we can all be proud

of.”

Miron Construction Co. broke ground on the

three-phase project July 21, 2014. Phase one includes

all new space. New pre- and post-surgical suites will

be completed during phase two. Phase three

includes new conference rooms, blood draw and an

entryway to registration. Target completion is

spring 2016.

Miron hired more than 15 local sub-contractors,

from plumbing and electrical to excavating and

roofing. Project Superintendent and Lake Linden

resident, John Griffin said Miron Construction is

recognized nationally for building excellence.

“In the past 10 years, Miron has completed in ex-

Shown is a rendering of the new Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital.

Excellence in ActionExcellence in ActionExcellence in ActionExcellence in ActionNew Aspirus Keweenaw

Hospital on track to open in July

--cess of $270 million in renovations and new builds,

including the Aspirus Houghton Clinic that opened in

June of 2014,” Griffin said. “Miron brings the

expertise, and the quality of their work is top-

notch.”

The new Keweenaw hospital is one of many

exciting events taking place at Aspirus in recent

months. Aspirus Keweenaw received two significant

awards and implemented a state-of-the-art medical

records system. Aspirus Keweenaw received the

2014 Governor’s Award of Excellence for significant

achievements in health care quality, and was named

one of America’s Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals by

the iVantage Strength INDEX.

Construction progress continues with the installation of frames and

windows on the new hospital.


Keweenaw .org 9

A Call For Keweenaw Chamber

AMBASSADORS

POSITION DESCRIPTION:An Ambassador will be a reputable professional, actively engaged in business in the great Keweenaw area, who is willing to promote and protect the best interest of the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce and its members. An Ambassador will also serve as a liaison for prospective, new, and existing Chamber members; sharing opportunities to promote and support their business initiatives and goals. The Keweenaw Chamber Ambassador Committee offers many ways to participate that work with your schedule.

RESPONSIBILITIES:Recruit and Welcome new business and professionalsParticipate and greet attendees in the Annual Golf Outings, Ribbon Cuttings, Business After Hours, Open Houses, and other eventsDelivery of Renewal Thank you LettersEducate benefits of Chamber of Commerce membershipAttend monthly Ambassador Committee meetingsUnderstand the Chamber membership materialsParticipate in subcommittees:

� Prospect:• Identify new businesses• Deliver Potential Member Packets

� New Member Maintenance:• Develop and maintain relationships as assigned• Deliver New Member Packets and follow-up

� Retention: • Maintain relationships with existing members• Follow-up annually with renewed members

QUALIFICATIONS:Flexible work schedule, In-depth knowledge of the Chamber of Commerce, Willingness to take leadership role, Strong communication skills, Outgoing personality and positive attitude, Ability to work independently

TIME COMMITMENT:A one year minimum time commitment during & for which Personal Commitment form is completed:Attend the majority of the monthly Committee meetingsComplete one orientation training sessionMember and potential member calls are done at the convenience of the AmbassadorRegularly attend Ribbon Cuttings, Business After Hours, and Open Houses

If you are interested in being an Ambassador, please contact Trina at the Chamber office!Phone: 906.482.5240Email: [email protected]

Brian Donnelly, River Valley Bank -Chair

Amanda McConnon, Century 21 North Country Agency / Keweenaw Young Professionals – Co-chair

Jay Ringler, UPPCO

Kevin Store, Portage Health Foundation

Carrie Richards, Associate / Michigan Technological University

Jack Eberhard, Book Concern Printers

George Eakin, D & L Janitorial

Scott Dianda, Associate / 110th Representative

Laurie Panian, Superior National Bank

Brue Rukkila

Get to know your Ambassador by visiting http://www.keweenaw.org/wp-content/themes/directorypress/thumbs/Ambs-for-web.jpg

THANK YOU TO ALL OF

OUR CURRENT

AMBASSADORS!

In need of 2 more Ambassadors – if you

are interested give us a call!



Keweenaw .org 11

Michigan State University Extension has been involved in helping entrepreneurs

grow their businesses for many years. The CEC program was created in

Michigan approximately 8 years ago and was launched in an effort to educate

communities on the various tools and resources available to help them help

entrepreneurs grow in their communities.

This state-wide conference moves around each year. Always held in October,

the 2015 conference will be going border to border in Houghton/Hancock on

Oct. 7-8 and Sturgis on Oct. 21-22, Michigan. Previous conferences have been

held in Lansing, Petoskey, Marshall and East Tawas.

The target audience is representatives from various community organizations

(business, education, government, chamber, service, economic developers,

etc.) that all have an interest in learning how to make their community more conducive to entrepreneurial

growth.

As planning has been underway, we are in need of several things!

Venues – Host a break-out session. You don’t need any more room then you already have. Sessions have

between 8 and 15 participants who will come into your business for 45 to 60 minutes. If you are interested in

being a host venue, please email [email protected]. We need to know Business Name, Contact Name, Phone

Number, Address, and what size group you would like to host small (8-9); medium (10-12) or large (13-15).

There is no fee for your business, you do not need to provide any type of food or beverages, we just want your

space! If your business is selected someone from the committee will connect with you.

Please visit Keweenaw.org’s Home page to find the information on:

Speakers, Panelists, Facilitators – Please review the information found by clicking the link “RFP for Speakers”

below. The deadline to submit a RFP is May 8, 2015 – so don’t delay, fill it out right away!

Sponsorship – All events take time and finances, we need your help! Click the “Sponsorship” link below that will

inform you of sponsorship opportunities and the benefits you would receive.

CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES:

• Generate excitement about the role of entrepreneurs in growing resilient communities

• Share innovative resources, information and tools

• Strengthen regional capacity and support for entrepreneurs

• Build clusters of communities that are passionate about entrepreneurship and prepared to act

SESSION TOPIC CATEGORIES: breakout topics will be announced soon.

• Growing Entrepreneurs: Tools & Resources for Communities & Entrepreneurs

• Building Tomorrow’s Entrpreneurs – Youth as Entrepreneurs

• Michigan, Our Green and Blue Economy

• Arts, Ag and Culture

Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities



Keweenaw .org 13

Me

mb

er

Up

da

te F

orm

Bu

sin

ess

Na

me

: _

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

_

Re

pre

sen

tati

ve:

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

Bu

sin

ess

Ad

dre

ss:

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

_

Ma

ilin

g A

dd

ress

(if

dif

fere

nt)

:__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

Cit

y:_

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

_ S

tate

: _

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

Zip

:__

__

__

__

__

__

__

Ph

on

e:

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

_ T

oll

Fre

e:

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

_ F

ax:

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

We

bsi

te:_

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

_

Ma

in C

on

tact

E-M

ail:

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

Bu

sin

ess

Na

me

: _

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

_

Re

pre

sen

tati

ve:

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

Bu

sin

ess

Ad

dre

ss:

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

_

Ma

ilin

g A

dd

ress

(if

dif

fere

nt)

:__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

Cit

y:_

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

_ S

tate

: _

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

Zip

:__

__

__

__

__

__

__

Ph

on

e:

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

_ T

oll

Fre

e:

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

_ F

ax:

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

We

bsi

te:_

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

_

Ma

in C

on

tact

E-M

ail:

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

I a

m i

nte

rest

ed

in

…

□R

ibb

on

cu

ttin

g□

Ad

vert

isin

g in

in-B

usi

ne

ss M

aga

zin

e

□B

ein

g a

Ch

am

be

r A

mb

ass

ad

or

□H

ost

ing

a B

usi

ne

ss A

fte

r H

ou

rs

□Sp

on

sori

ng

a G

olf

to

urn

am

en

t

□Sp

on

sori

ng

an

d E

gg

s a

nd

Iss

ue

s e

ven

t

□A

tte

nd

ing

th

e S

pa

rk P

lug

Aw

ard

Din

ne

r

□S

pe

cia

l Pro

ject

s

□R

un

nin

g f

or

th

e C

ha

mb

er

Bo

ard

□P

rog

ram

s /

Eve

nt

Co

mm

itte

e

□A

dve

rtis

ing

in t

he

Ch

am

be

r’s

mo

nth

ly N

ew

sle

tte

r □

Oth

er

Sp

on

sors

hip

Op

po

rtu

nit

ies

Ple

ase

lis

t a

dd

itio

na

l em

ail

ad

dre

sse

s o

f p

eo

ple

in y

ou

r

com

pa

ny

th

at

yo

u w

ish

to

rece

ive

th

e m

on

thly

ne

wsl

ett

er

an

d

an

no

un

cem

en

ts.

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

_

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

_

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

_

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

_

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

__

_


Please RSVP to the Chamber office by phone: 482.5240 or

email: [email protected]. Thank you!

Keweenaw .org 15

• May 12th WLUC TV-6 & MTU 5-7 pm - RSVP’s requsted by May

11th at the MacInnes Ice Arena. See Flyer on page 14.

• June TBA – Superior Tax & Accounting (& Ribbon Cutting)

• July TBA – River Valley Bank, Calumet

• August 5th - Eagle Harbor Inn, Eagle Harbor 5-7 pm

• September 16th – Superior National Bank, Hancock 5-7 pm

• October 14th - Down Wind Sports, Houghton 5-7 pm

• November TBA – Century 21 North Country Agency

• December TBA – Continental Fire CO

Mark your calendar for these upcoming Business After Hours

Leadership Partner ad.


Marketing Department Inc.

Announces Shannon Vairo as

Operations and Account

Manager

Upper Peninsula Marketing Department Inc.

welcomes Shannon Vairo as the agency’s

Operations and Account Manager. Vairo will be

responsible for managing day to day operations,

finances and

procedures, as well as

supporting clients such

as Michigan Tech and

MTEC SmartZone.

Vairo joins Marketing

Department Inc. from

Finlandia University, where she was the

University’s External Relations Coordinator for four

years. Prior to Finlandia, Vairo served as Assistant

Director of Annual Giving at Michigan

Technological University for 10years “Shannon has

vast experience in fund raising, business

development and building positive relationships,”

said Karyn Olsson, CEO, Marketing Department Inc.

“She is extremely organized, a strong leader and highly energetic. As we continue to grow, Shannon will play a

critical role in keeping us on a strategic path.”

Vairo, a Houghton native, received her Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and marketing

from Michigan Technological University. She is actively engaged in the community, mentoring the Delta Zeta

International Sorority and volunteering for March of Dimes. In her role at Marketing Department Inc., Vairo

looks forward to participating in activities and supporting groups that build economic development for our

area.

Vairo resides in Houghton with her husband Stephen and son Gerald. During the summer, the Vairo family can

be found boating on the Portage Canal, and on an ice rink in winter.



Keweenaw .org 17



Advancing Digital Literacy in Houghton County, MichiganSamantha Stemler, Connected Nation Communications

For those new to technology, the Computer Help for Adults program at Portage Lake District Library is

unlocking the unknown. Residents come from Portage Lake in Houghton County, MI as well as surrounding

towns to work one-on-one with students at Michigan Technological University (MTU) to learn about new

devices. The Computer Help for Adults program is one of many initiatives in Houghton County that has

awarded them status as a Connected Certified Community. Houghton County celebrates their achievement in

June, becoming the second Connected Community in Michigan’s rural Upper Peninsula.

Every Friday morning at the library, students at MTU become instructors and help participants navigate a

variety of devices and applications. Instructors include both undergraduates and graduate-level students in

Computer Science and technology-oriented Humanities majors. While the students have grown up immersed

in the Information Age, to many of the participants of the program, everything is brand new.

“For people being presented with technology for the first time, it is a tremendous shock and there’s a lot to

learn,” said Charles Wallace, associate professor of Computer Science at MTU and faculty organizer of the

program. “Digital literacy is our number one priority.” While students help participants use their devices

effectively, they also learn about the user experience and the importance of intuitive design. Getting an

outside perspective from those unfamiliar with technology, Wallace explains, shows them the kind of obstacles

they will face as designers and programmers.

Technology questions span across computers and Kindles, iPads, Android tablets and even smartphones. Some

are unsure how to use newly-acquired devices while others struggle with malware or viruses. Specific

questions about software or online applications also arise, everything from organizing a budget on Microsoft

Excel to sharing photos through the cloud to finding friends on Facebook. MTU students give participants a

one-on-one tour of the device if needed, point out software to guard against malware and show users how to

use choice applications online.

“It’s important because it lets people empower themselves to go forth, explore and acquire new material,” said

Shawn Leche, Director of the Portage Lake District Library. “It gives them the tools not just to work on one

thing, but they can see how everything comes together.” Some attend to get answers for specific problems,

while others attend every week to learn more. Regardless, enthusiasm is always present on both sides. “We

have to give credit to the Michigan Technology University students that donate their time every week. They’re

enthusiastic, they enjoy doing it and they make it a success.”

Starting in the summer, Wallace and the student volunteers plan to construct a model for the program to share

with other communities so they may enact their own programs. “We also want to use the lessons that we’ve

learned about the obstacles that people are facing as a springboard for our research, to design better websites

and better software that is more welcoming to new people,” said Wallace.

To learn more about broadband initiatives expanding adoption and use across the country, visit Connected

Community Engagement Program website.

MAYTuesday, May 5

Keweenaw Trail Services Meeting, Calumet

Wednesday, May 6

Downtown Houghton Business Assoc. Meeting,

Houghton

Saturday, May 9

Tori Market, Hancock

Monday, May 11

Copper Country Toastmasters, Hancock

Tuesday, May 12

Business After Hours, Hosted by FOX UP, TV6, and

MTU Athletics at the MacInnes Ice Arena Hockey

Suites – RSVP’s requested. See page 12 for more

details.

Hancock Business and Professional Association

Meeting, Hancock

Wednesday, May 13

KEDA Meeting, Hancock

Thursday, May 14

Copper Country Lean Group, Hancock

Wednesday, May 21

Eggs & Issues, HEET, Houghton

Ribbon Cutting, Keweenaw Gem & Gift, Houghton

Contracting 101, Michigan Works!, Hancock

May 23-24

Ride the Keweenaw, Copper Harbor

JUNEThursday, June 18

Eggs & Issues, Chamber announces NEW Leadership

Program, Houghton

Keweenaw Peninsula Event Calendar Your source for area Business Events and Community Events.

Keweenaw .org 19

Eggs

and Issues

May 21– 7:30 am at the Shelden Grill, Houghton

HEET will present and give businesses information on how to help save energy, and more on the Georgetown University completion for $5 million.The Chamber will introduce its new Leadership Program.

June 18– 7:30 am at the Shelden Grill, Houghton

The Chamber will introduce its new Leadership Program

July 16– 7:30 am at the Shelden Grill, Houghton

We will hear about the Keweenaw Science & Engineering Festival. This event will bring many visitors to our area in August.

Eggs and Issues is free to Chamber

Members.

There is a $10 fee for non-members.

Please RSVP to 906.482.5240 or

[email protected]

Above is a list of upcoming

Chamber Eggs & Issues

programs, and page 15 has a list

of our upcoming Business After

Hours events.

902 College Avenue, P.O. Box 336Houghton, MI 49931

Visibility Opportunities

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 200 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 1,600 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!

Ad rates per issue:

Full page $100½ page $ 75¼ page $ 501/8 page $ 25Email campaign $ 25

The mission of the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce:

SUPPORT BUSINESS: The Chamber supports businesses by providing information and referring inquiries to our local and regional economic development partners such as the Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance, Michigan Small Business Development Center, MTEC SmartZone, Entrepreneur Support Center, or Jutila Business Incubator.

ATTRACT BUSINESS: The Chamber provides information and referrals to people who want to visit or relocate here. If someone inquires about tourism, we coordinate with the Keweenaw Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. When someone is relocating a business or family here, we connect them to the appropriate community resources that meet their needs.

DEVELO PBUSINESS : The Chamber will continue to grow networking and visibility opportunities for small businesses. We will provide opportunities for ribbon cuttings, Eggs and Issues, and After Hours networking events, promotion and advertising opportunities, golf outings, annual membership directory, business referrals, and a monthly newsletter.

p. 906.482.5240

f. 906.482.5241

e. [email protected]

Business Hours

Monday thru Friday

9 am to 5:30pm

www.keweenaw.org

www.facebook.com/Keweenaw.Chamber

The Chamber is a proud Member of the

Documents

May 2015 newsletter