ALLIANCE SAYS NORTHERN MICHIGAN IS READY TO GET BACK TO WORK

Northern Michigan businesses have proven they can reopen safely

NORTHERN MI – The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance yesterday sent a letter to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, once again offering northern Michigan communities as partners in continued reopening. The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance represents 16 chambers and economic development organizations and over 7,000 member businesses from all across northern Michigan.

This request comes after the Alliance joined Governor Whitmer in announcing the first phase of reopening by retail businesses, restaurants, and bars in the northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula late last month. In their most recent letter, the Alliance states, “Our businesses have taken the task of reopening seriously. Not only do we realize that northern Michigan is showcasing reopening efforts for the entire state, but we also know that the reopening of additional businesses is dependent on the success of our current efforts. The rural northern Michigan business community is eager to welcome our cinemas, fitness centers, hair salons, bowling alleys, and more, back online”.

Stacie Bytwork, the chairperson of the Alliance and president of the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, shared that chambers and economic development organizations have been pivotal in reopening efforts. “Our chambers have partnered with public health and supported our business communities to ensure we can stay safe to stay open.” Amy Clickner, vice-chairperson of the Alliance and CEO of the Lake Superior Community Partnership said, “Northern Michigan has successfully showcased safe reopening and we’re ready to reopen our gyms and hair salons – sectors of our economy that value the health and wellness – and safety – of their customers.”

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. More information on the Alliance’s latest work can be found at nmichiganbusiness.com.

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.

###