ALLIANCE SENDS LETTER TO GOVERNOR WHITMER OFFERING TO SHOWCASE REOPENING STRATEGIES IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN

Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance members committed to safe operations following guidelines

NORTHERN MI – The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance sent a letter to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, offering northern Michigan as a test case for implementing clear guidelines and safe operating practices, following the Governor’s regional reopening plan. The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance represents 16 chambers and economic development organizations from all across northern Michigan.

The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance states in the letter, “The Alliance is supportive and excited about the regional reopening plan that you announced late last month, because our organization knows that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Our rural northern Michigan communities are eager to show that our business owners are committed to protocols to keep customers and employees safe”.

Stacie Bytwork, the chairperson of the Alliance and president of the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, expressed her desire to support businesses in reopening safely. “Northern Michigan is ready to partner with public health in order to take a thoughtful approach to reopening to protect businesses, employees, and customers. We know our businesses take reopening protocol seriously – these businesses are their livelihood.” Amy Clickner, vice-chairperson of the Alliance and CEO of the Lake Superior Community Partnership said, “Our rural northern Michigan communities are experiencing a lower incidence of infection and are prepared to get safely to work so we can ensure the wellbeing of employees, their families, and contribute to state programs that depend on business taxes.”

The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance continues to support chambers, economic development organizations, and their member businesses by providing timely information and advocating for rural business needs at the state and federal levels. The Alliance is engaged in delivering industry-specific information, access to funding opportunities, and working to ensure the northern Michigan voice is represented in reopening discussions.

About the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance:

The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance is a coalition of chambers and economic development organizations in Alpena, Benzie, Boyne City, Cadillac, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, East Jordan, Elk Rapids, Gaylord, Harbor Springs, Leelanau County, Manistee, Marquette, Petoskey, Sault Area, and Traverse City. The Alliance exists to advocate for rural northern Michigan and move forward rural-centric business policy.

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