ALLIANCE ENCOURAGED BY CONTINUED REOPENING

This is the beginning of our economic recovery

NORTHERN MI – After weeks of advocacy, the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance said it’s encouraged to see COVID restrictions on businesses loosening. The Alliance represents 16 chambers and economic development organizations and over 7,000 member businesses from all across northern Michigan. 

The organization commended Governor Gretchen Whitmer for listening to businesses, including those in the hospitality industry. “Alliance member organizations are certainly feeling encouraged by today’s announcement,” said Stacie Bytwork, the chairperson of the Alliance and president and CEO of the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce. “The easing of restrictions, including increasing capacity for restaurants and bars, is a start down the path of economic recovery for our regional business community.”

The Alliance called for a sustained reopening process in order to promote the survival of regional businesses. The organization said all businesses should have the ability to reasonably operate with proper safety protocols in place, including wedding and banquet venues. The organization said it stands ready to support reopening discussions and will continue working with its member organizations and their member businesses on implementing the new order.

“The Alliance is committed to remaining a good partner to the State and their efforts by supporting our businesses in following the new order,” said Sarah Hagen, vice-chairperson of the Alliance and president of the Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce.

About the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance:

The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance is a coalition of chambers and economic development organizations including the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce, Benzie County Chamber of Commerce, Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce, Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce, Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce, Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce, Traverse Connect, Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, Lake Superior Community Partnership, Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce, Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce, Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce, Sault Area Chamber of Commerce, & Leelanau Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. The Alliance exists to advocate for rural northern Michigan and move forward rural-centric business policy. More information on the Alliance’s latest work can be found at nmichiganbusiness.com.

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