The Petoskey Chamber is hosting a Walkabout Wednesday with Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery located at 3423 Hwy 131 in Petoskey, tomorrow, Wednesday, June 12, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  

Walkabout Wednesday is a new, free way to get to know area businesses in a casual meet and greet format. Guests will be offered a unique opportunity to learn more about Mackinaw Trail Winery & Brewery, who is celebrating their 20th anniversary this year. Guests can enjoy light snacks, a cash bar and casual networking.

Feel free to drop in anytime between 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. We kindly ask you to register and reserve your spot by today, Tuesday, June 11 at 5:00 p.m. to facilitate event planning. Register here.

Citizens National Bank is the 2024 sponsor of Walkabout Wednesday.

Your business could host a fall Wednesday Walkabout, email Lisa at lisa@petoskeychamber.com or call to learn details (231) 347-4150.

Get your Super Summer Raffle Tickets TODAY

This year's raffle is bigger and better than ever. We have changed things up a little, and we are offering three amazing staycation-like packages for you to enjoy with your family and friends.

The first place Family Adventure package, which is valued at over $1,500 includes 4 bicycles, a four-person 1 1/2 hour tubing trip at Big Bear Adventures, a gift certificate for a fishing charter, a gift certificate to Jellystone Park in Petoskey, and a gift certificate to Bearcub Outfitters.

The second place Beautiful Bay Harbor package includes a one-night stay and spa package from the Inn at Bay Harbor as well as gift cards from NOMAD. and Maple + Batter, and a Gypsy Distillery gift basket.

The third place Overnight Odawa package includes an overnight stay at Odawa Hotel in Petoskey as well as a gift certificate to Sage Restaurant and free play vouchers for the casino.

The raffle tickets are only $10 and there is no limit as to how many you can purchase. Only 1,000 tickets will be sold, so get your tickets today. Winners will be drawn randomly on July 15 at 3:00 p.m. at the chamber. You need not be present to win.

Click here to purchase your tickets or come by the chamber Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to buy them in person.

Learn more about The Art of Tactful Self Promotion from Julie Fasone Holder. Julie’s corporate career began in sales and ended in the C-Suite of a Fortune 500 company. She ran multi-billion-dollar business portfolios for Dow and at the end of her career ran marketing and sales, reputation, public and government affairs, and HR for the company.

As the first or only woman in almost every role she held, she was known for her passion to help the company and women build a more diverse and inclusive workforce. She was instrumental in the launch of the company’s women’s networks in the US, Middle East, India, and China and for being a forceful advocate and sponsor for women in the company.

Julie is the current entrepreneur/founder of JFH Insights, Management Advising, known for her passion in helping men and women succeed in work and life. She regularly speaks on topics such as Negotiate Your Way to Leadership, Your Authentic Leadership Brand, The Female Vision and Strategic Leadership, and more.

The luncheon takes place at The Inn at Bay Harbor, 3600 Village Drive, Bay Harbor. Registration and networking take place from 11:30 a.m. to noon. The lunch will be served at noon. The program will begin at 12:25 and the event will conclude at 1:00 p.m. Register here.

Lunch menu:

Watermelon Salad: watermelon, cucumber, basil, mint, feta, honey, red onion, sherry balsamic dressing

Entree: chicken bruschetta pasta - cherry tomatoes, EVOO, garlic, basil, linguini, parmesan, grilled chicken breast

Entree GF VG Option: red quinoa bruschetta- cherry tomatoes, EVOO, garlic, basil, red quinoa

Dessert: espresso cheesecake

Cost is $35 for CWIB members and $45 for all others. 

PLEASE NOTE - Registration closes Thursday, June 13 at 5:00 p.m. Any cancellations or no-shows after this time will be charged. 

Our marquee sponsor for this season is PNC Bank, and our exclusive radio sponsor is Lite 96. Our program sponsors are Yoga Roots, F.S. Roofing, and Impact100 Little Traverse Bay.

Your business can be a program sponsor for just $200 which includes one admission – email lisa@petoskeychamber.com to learn more or to secure your spot.

Join us on Wednesday, June 26 at 9:00 a.m. at the Genesis Center located at 1124 Northmen Drive in Petoskey for an insightful session with Shannon Burkel, Chief Client Officer of Axios HR, as part of the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce's Winfluence programming. In this program, you will discover how investing in employee engagement is essential for your organizational strategy.

Shannon will share expert insights on creating a culture that nurtures the employee-manager relationship, driving both execution and growth. Learn how current workforce trends impact small businesses and uncover how fostering employee engagement can be your secret weapon in the war for talent.

You do not want to miss this opportunity to transform your business.

This program is free as a part of your Winfluence subscription or $25 for nonsubscribers.

Interested in becoming a Winfluence subscriber? Email Emily to find out more. emily@petoskeychamber.com

Businesses in Charlevoix and Emmet Counties have an opportunity to join an innovative and highly successful talent retention program. Northwest Michigan Works! is looking for an employer to join its Business Resource Network (BRN) program. The program aims to collaborate with an employer committed to enhancing the retention of their existing workforce. Over the years, industries including manufacturing, retail, landscaping, hospitality, and healthcare have significantly benefited from adopting the BRN model.

In today’s competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent is crucial for business success. Recognizing this critical need, Northwest Michigan Works! has developed a comprehensive program designed to support employers in nurturing a dedicated and productive workforce. At the core of the Business Resource Network is the introduction of a professional, on-location Success Coach. These highly trained coaches are invaluable resources for employees, offering tailored support to address a variety of challenges, including those related to mental health, legal issues, transportation, housing, childcare, and more.

“Employers in Charlevoix and Emmet counties are already witnessing remarkable results, with a quarterly average retention rate of 90 percent,” said Rob Dickinson, Regional Director for Business Services at Northwest Michigan Works!. “Member employers gain access to a transformative resource that revolutionizes their approach to talent retention. Our Success Coach collaborates closely with employees, providing them with the necessary tools and support to excel both professionally and personally.”

Through employer contributions and support from community partners, the Success Coach dedicates half a day every week on-location with each participating employer, ensuring personalized attention and impactful results. By focusing on employees facing barriers to continued employment, the Business Resource Network tackles the most challenging retention issues directly, ultimately reducing absenteeism and turnover costs while fostering a culture of growth and development.

“We recognize that each employee’s journey is unique, which is why our Success Coaches are dedicated to providing one-on-one support tailored to individual needs,” said Dickinson. “By investing in our workforce, employers can develop a more resilient, engaged, and loyal team, leading to greater long-term success for their businesses.”

The Northwest Michigan Works! Business Resource Network signifies a paradigm shift in talent retention strategies, empowering employers to unlock their workforce’s full potential while fostering a thriving business community in Charlevoix and Emmet counties.

For more information about the Northwest Michigan Works! Business Resource Network and how to get involved, please contact Katie Stolarski, Business Success Coach, at katie.stolarski@networksnorthwest.org or 231-534-4113.

Discover the positive impact of the BRN program from our employer members and their employees by visiting the Northwest Michigan Works! website at nwm.org/BRN.                                 

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is ready to help.



Explaining the ins and outs of Medicare can be difficult. But Blue Cross can help you support retiring employees to make the best decisions for their health care when they leave your organization.

They’re ready to help! Let them help your retiring employees transition smoothly from their employer health care coverage to their individual Medicare Advantage plans.

You have access to digital resources to share directly with your employees planning to retire at 65. These resources will assist them on their journey to find the right Blue Cross individual Medicare Advantage plan for their retirement.

Visit Blue Cross Blue Shield's Employer Toolkit Planning for your Heath Care in Retirement webpage at bcbsm.com/engage-retire for materials to empower future retirees to make confident decisions about Medicare.

To learn more, schedule a call with Blue Cross’ dedicated individual Medicare Advantage sales team by emailing them at G2ISales@bcbsm.com.

The businesses listed above are recognized as community champion investors. They are supporting the work of the chamber at a higher dues investment rate. Want to find out more about how your business can join this list? Email Lisa: lisa@petoskeychamber.com to learn more.

This weekly email product is produced to inform members about community and chamber-related news, specials, or events. Members looking to share something to the membership may do so in our Friday edition email periodically for free. Items will run for up to two weeks (or more in the case of an event at the discretion of the staff). If you have something you want to share with the membership, email it to: molly@petoskeychamber.com. Please keep events, special offers, and business news submissions 125 words or fewer. The deadline for Friday email content is Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.