chamber magazine mar & apr 16

Cadillac AreaA Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Publication

Business MagazineMarch/april 2016 • Volume 22-No. 2

Why not work in the same area you vacation?

See pages 6-7

ur cover story captures the prior-ity of talent attraction, but most importantly how collaboration and proactive strategies can benefit the

region with an infusion of new talent and augment job shortages.

As referenced in this column more than once, there is not enough talent in the Cadillac area to fulfill job requirements. Manufacturing and health care sectors largely have to chase talent outside the area and even outside of Michigan.

The talent challenge is not limited to those sectors. Locating individuals and families to northern Michigan is not an easy go, despite obvious advantages. What needs to be promoted in a more compre-hensive voice is that good jobs do exist in our region and the live, work and play strat-egy does have merit. I applaud the entities behind the launch the LiveCadillac micro website and the collaboration by Networks Northwest in highlighting the advantages of working in northwest Michigan. The Cadillac Area Chamber was pleased to be a resource for both projects. We encourage our members to utilize or share both web-sites as a way of promoting live, work and play in our region and as a larger voice, why not northern Michigan?

The LiveCadillac website is a next step attempt from the traditional Chamber printed relocation guide with a focus on interactive communication and with a community and collaborative angle.

Chamber sponsored printed materials certainly assisted member organizations in the past, but the current direction is a different evolution. Selling a community, embracing being part of a community res-onates far differently, than here is the job opportunity, end of communication.

Talented people have options to pursue not only the best career pathway, but addi-tionally, select a community that matches what matters to them. What we have expe-rienced at the Chamber is not to predict or assume what the major selling points are for the candidate or family. Yes, natural resources, likely will be high on the list of wants and a rural living environment, but so could faith, specific school programs and relative geography to other parts of northern Michigan.

Business and organizations need to be adaptable to the talent recruitment pitch and consider using the Chamber as a resource and other community stakehold-ers as an advantage to secure talent. That is a different approach from the past. I am confident selling a community is a strategy that works, because talented people will choose a community in conjunction with the employment opportunity.

The good news northern Michigan has real advantages and the live, work and play approach can work. Your Chamber will continue to work with members and community stakeholders to advance talent growth in our region.

2 March/april 2016 - CadillaC area Chamber of CommerCe

Mission StatementThe Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce is a visible business leader that advocates and

drives business opportunities. Through business alliances, we are a catalyst for our membership

and provide a persuasive regional voice benefiting our communities.

Kelly Smith, Executive Director Baker College of Cadillac

Dave Cox, Vice ChairWexford Missaukee ISD

Trent Mulder, TreasurerBaird, Cotter & Bishop, PC.

Kelly Cater, Past Executive DirectorRec Boat Holdings

Doug DeYoung, Consumers Energy

Don Schepers, Schepers Agency, Inc. Kyle Hogg, Dental Health Professionals

Melody Hurley, Walmart Superstore

Stephen King, Law Office of King & King

Tim Knaggs, Fekete Knaggs & Burr Insurance

Karl Marcusse, PADNOS

Dan Minor, Cadillac Castings, Inc.

Pete Stalker, Mercantile Bank of Michigan

Brian Williams, Blue Heron Café & Bakery

CHAMBER STAFF Bill Tencza, [email protected] Acosta, Great Start [email protected] Deb Gillies, Leadership Director/[email protected] Hamilton, Administrative [email protected] Jasper, Director of Membership [email protected] Wood, Director of Government [email protected]:www.cadillac.orgPrinter: Pleasant GraphicsPublisher: Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce

The Cadillac Area Business Magazine is a publica-tion of the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber reserves the right to edit or refuse articles and advertisements submitted to the Cadillac Area Business Magazine and reserves the right in its sole discretion to accept or refuse inserts and other materi-als to be distributed through the publication.

Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce222 Lake Street231-775-9776

2015/2016 Board of DirectorsThe importance

of attracting talent

Bill Tencza, Chamber President

O

CadillaC area Chamber of CommerCe - March/april 2016 3

Visionary Partners:

Cadillac HospitalMUNSON HEALTHCARE

at&t Belle oakes Living Center inc.BorgWarner thermal systems

B&P ManufacturingCadillac area Public schools

Consumers energy Dte energy

Fekete Knaggs & Burr insurance agency FiaMM technologies LLC

Fifth third BankitC

Mercantile Bank of MichiganMichigan rubber Products, inc

rexair LLC Walmart supercenter store

Wexford-Missaukee isD

LeaDershiP Partners:

231-468-3559Fax [email protected]

Membership • TravelInsurance • Financial Services

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These benefits are part of your chamber membership and are found on the home page at www.cadillac.org. Please contact the Chamber with any questions or assistance.

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This program offers a unique combination of promoting member-to-member buying, boosting sales for our members, and increasing member visibility.

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By Judy SchulzeArticles introducing individuals

or groups often follow a common theme: Who are they? From the first meeting of the 2015-2016 Cadillac Leadership Class, it was very clear that we were anything but common. Given this observation, it only seemed appropriate that this article be a narrative about who we aren’t.

As anyone who has met, interacted, or been a part of this year’s lead-ership class knows, the most prominent characteristic that our team does not have is homogeneity. We are not the same. We are not the same as past Cadillac Leadership classes, and individually, we certain-ly are not the same as each other. We are not all males. We are not all females. We are not all originally from the Cadillac area, and we are not all originally from the state of Michigan. We are not all financial professionals or physicians. We are not all educators, business own-ers, media professionals, or in the manufacturing field. We do not all serve on the same local boards, councils, or committees. We are not all married, or single, or parents, or grandparents. We do not all have the same types of pets, we do not have the same hobbies, and we do not all

purchase the same brands when we shop. We are not all meat eaters, we are not all vegetarians, and we are not all gluten-free. We do not all hold the same degrees, nor did we attend the same high schools or col-leges. We do not all think the same way, and we most assuredly do not all agree on the same things at the same times.

If we are so different, what makes us, the 2015-2016 Cadillac Leadership Class, the best class ever? The differences that we have, or the things we aren’t, have made us a team of local professionals who respect the diversity of our group and draw on that characteristic to promote effective and progressive leadership in the Cadillac area — the Cadillac Leadership program has brought 24 individuals, with individual stories, together to demonstrate what amazing things can happen, when the focus is on what we aren’t.

This year the Leadership Class is assisting in the City of Cadillac’s Heritage Plaza Project by raising funds for a splash pad and ice rink. If you wish to contribute to our community service project, please visit the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce website at www.cadil-lac.org to make an online donation. Checks may be made payable to “Cadillac Leadership, Cadillac Splash” and mailed to: Kathy Cress, Avon Protection Systems, 503 Eighth St. Cadillac, MI 49601. Your sup-port is greatly appreciated.

The 2015-2016 Cadillac Leadership Class: Who we’re not2016 Cadillac Leadership Class visits sponsor, Fox Motors of Cadillac

CadillacLeadershipSimply the Best

25TH ANNIVERSARY


THE MICHIGAN ADVANCED TECHNICIAN TRAINING (MAT2) PROGRAM GIVES STUDENTS

A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE!

Entering today’s high-tech job market is difficult without the hands on work experience that employers are looking for.

Visit mitalent.org/MAT2 or Contact the MAT2 Team: [email protected] . 1-888-522-0103 To become a sponsor or apply for the program, call Baker College of Cadillac: 231-876-3149

• Avon Automotive• Avon Protection Systems Inc.• FIAMM Technologies LLC• Rec Boat Holdings LLC• Kalkaska Screw Products Inc.

BAKER COLLEGE OF CADILLAC: MAT2mechatronics Program Sponsoring Industries Include:

• Skilled Manufacturing Inc.• Rexair LLC• BorgWarner Inc.• Cadillac Castings Inc.• Hutchinson Antivibration Systems Inc.

MAT2 matches students’ career goals with the needs of industry partners to produce a pipeline of educated and highly qualified technical employees. During the three-year program, students will alternate between classrooms, labs and the work site, gaining hands-on, marketable skills.

L.E.A.D. & L.E.A.D. JR. WORKSHOPSSave The Dates! L.E.A.D. (Leadership, Education and Developmentworkshop for high school students, grades 9 - 12)Thursday, April 28, 2016L.E.A.D. JR. (Leadership, Education and Development workshop for junior high students, grades 7 & 8)Friday, April 29, 2016These programs offer full day training for students in leadership skills and personal development. Since 1999, 2,055 students have attended L.E.A.D. and 1,929 students, L.E.A.D. JR.Sponsorship Opportunities Available representing any school district within the Wexford Missaukee ISD

For more information, please contact Deb Gillies at 775-9776 or [email protected]

CadillacLeadershipSimply the Best

25TH ANNIVERSARY If you would like your child to experience

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The Pure Michigan campaign isn’t just attracting tourists. It’s also drawing the attention of buy-ers and suppliers of Michigan goods and services.

Terry Vandercook, manager for Michigan Buyer Development, showed off the Pure Michigan Business Connect website dur-ing the January Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Lecture Luncheon Series.

“The entire intent of the program is to connect Michigan businesses with new business opportunities,” Vandercook said. “Every Michigan company can utilize the system, but only Michigan companies can register. We want the supply chain we develop to come from our state.”

Pure Michigan Business Connect is a multi-billion dol-lar initiative developed by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation connecting buyers to suppliers of Michigan goods and services. Michigan companies sign up for free to access the business-to-business network.

Vandercook said the program was designed to drive the econ-omy through connections with small and medium-sized business-es. He added that every $200,000 of a multi-year contract facilitated through the program equals one new job in Michigan.

More than $2.8 billion in new contracts for Michigan companies has been made possible by the program since 2011.

Connecting businesses with new business opportunities

January LeCture LunCheon


A needed connection

Connecting northern Michigan lifestyle with professionals

Many people know that Cadillac is a great vacation destination. The Cadillac area offers year-round outdoor activities, hotels and restau-rants and a family-friendly community. Now those fun vacation ame-nities can be a key element in recruiting workers to the area.

“There is a misperception regarding the availability of good jobs in our area,” said Janie McNabb, COO of Networks Northwest. “People from outside our region see our service-based economy when they come to visit, and don’t see the many high quality, family-sustain-ing jobs. There is a huge pool of talent who want to live and work here, because they love to play here. A recent initiative of Networks Northwest and many partners, including the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce, attempts to address this issue.”

In addation, a group of business leaders have launched a new web-site, www.LiveCadillac.com as a way to highlight what the area has to offer in recreational activities, job opportunities and help tell the story of living in the area.

“The LiveCadillac website developed after a brainstorming session

between local manufacturers and businesses focused on how we could work together to attract new talent to the Cadillac Area,” said Eric Baker, CEO at Wolverine Power. “We determined we needed a better way to highlight Cadillac’s broad professional career opportu-nities and unique lifestyle opportunities for prospective recruits and their significant others.”

The LiveCadillac website is one tool being used as a micro site that potential employees can use to research the area, the amenities as well as job prospects.

“The site features Cadillac’s opportunities to live, work and play, and it features local bloggers, ambassadors and links to jobs, visitor infor-mation, and recreational opportunities,” said Baker. “The idea is for area businesses to have a single website to direct traffic to, allowing the user to explore his or her specific areas of interest.”

Recruiting talent is the key to growth for the Cadillac area, said Bruce Schafer, Vice President of Manufacturing at Rexair in Cadillac.


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“Growth and prosperity require talent in the new technology-driven economy,” Schafer said. “Few jobs can earn a living with just a lunch box and those job numbers are decreasing rapidly. A great living can be achieved with a talent tool set. It is not an either or choice. Without tal-ent for the area the prosperity will undoubtedly be less. The community either grows or it dies.”

Filling the openings will help maintain the economic base already in the area, but can also help fuel growth, McNabb said.

“There is opportunity to improve the employability and occupational skills of those who are unemployed in the region, and also attract high quality talent from outside the area,” she said. “Either way, this is a ben-efit to the community.”

Schafer said many potential new employees have a misconception of what Cadillac has to offer and have backed away from relocating to the area.

“This issue is addressed with assurances that the city is stable and has significant growth potential; that the outdoor life is abundant with a friendly community atmosphere,” he said. “The young professionals group is also emphasized and efforts are made to get newcomers intro-duced to other people. It is very important to form a community for new people to the area.”

Another website (http://mynorth.com/area/wexford-county-michigan/) is dedicated to promoting the northern Michigan lifestyle. McNabb said the site was recently updated with the “Work in Northern Michigan” section, which lists job openings from Pure Michigan Talent Connect, features “Cool Companies,” and highlights northwest Michigan. The site also features a video, “Live, Work, Play in Wexford County.

“The MyNorth Media machine has an audience of more than 1 million visitors to its site every year — visitors from around the state, country, and world,” McNabb said. “Their email newsletters have distribution lists of 50,000 to 80,000. Everyone they engage with has a love for the area, so MyNorth is committed to directing the audience to the many quality jobs available. Also, the website, videos, and feature articles are tools that communities and companies can use when recruiting poten-tial candidates from outside the area.”

The community plays and important role in attracting and retain-ing talented employees, said Tonya Smith, President of Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital.

“Organizationally, we spend a lot of time wooing candidates to choose Cadillac as a place to live and work,” she said. “Once they get here, it really takes more than the job to keep this talent in our com-munity. The more we can engage and welcome new people to our com-munity, whether through support of the young professionals network of the Chamber or through simple things like inviting them to church, then the more likely they are to stay and contribute to our community. It’s really all about making connections and creating an environment that feels like home.”

Janie McNabb, COO of Networks Northwest, gave other options for spreading the word on northern Michigan living and working:

• Peer-to-peer mentornig where a young professional currently work-ing in the area is paired with a young professional considering relocating to the area

• Raise the awareness of in-demand jobs. Network Northwest has released a Hot Jobs Report online (www.networksnorthwest.org/hot-jobsflyer).

• More and better training. “MAT2 is a great example,” McNabb said. “People around the state should know that we have fantastic CTE and postsecondary options.”

• Trailing spouse: “Although the MyNorth.com web site, Pure Michigan Talent Connect, and Michigan Works are all available to help trailing spouses, there is no facilitated program to support them,” McNabb said.


Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce

23rd Annual BriefcaseOpen Golf Outing

Friday, May 20, 2016Evergreen Resort (Host Course)

& Cadillac Country Club Team and hole sponsor registration can be found at www.cadillac.org.

For more information please contact Paula at the Chamber 231-775-9776.

*Proceeds benefit Chamber programs, services and legislative advocacy.

Your Chamber is now on Social Media! Find out what we’ve been up to and join our upcoming

programs by visiting our Facebook Page.

www.facebook.com/CadillacChamber

Find us on Facebook

CadillacVariety Show

Saturday, April 16,2016 • 7PM

Cadillac Community Schools Auditorium

Save the Date

Save the Date Annual Meeting &

Awards Dinner Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at Caberfae ski & Golf Resort

JanuaRy 2016

Rise Up! Cadillac

Hosted by:

Cadillac yMCa

Sponsored by:

Chemical Bank

Sponsored by:

shultz Insurance agency — Farm Bureau


March & April Health Tip:

What are some examples of healthy fats?

Healthy fats include monounsaturated fats found in foods such as avocado and olive oil, the polyunsaturated fats found in plant-based foods such as corn oil and pumpkin seeds, and omega-3 fatty acids including those in salmon, soy and walnuts. Nuts, beans and dark-green veggies are also sources of healthy fat.

Essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 are especially important because the human body doesn›t naturally produce either nutrient, although not all researchers agree on the health benefits of omega-6 fatty acids, as of 2015. Foods that are high in omega-6 include eggs, cereals, whole-grain breads and most vegetable oils. Fatty fish are the best source of omega-3, particularly salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel and trout. Ground flaxseed, canola and soybean oil, sunflower seeds, and most nuts are good plant-based sources for this important healthy fat, but it isn›t as useful to the body as the omega-3s derived from fish oil.

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults receive 20 to 35 percent of their daily calories from fat while limiting the consumption of unhealthy fats to less than 10 percent of the total. Unhealthy fats, including trans and saturated fat, are found in most meats, animal fats and dairy products, as well as some plant-based oils such as palm oil, coconut oil and vegetables.

Source: Health.com

February 2016

Rise Up! Cadillac

Hosted by:

Munson Health Care Cadillac HospitalSponsored by:

Wexford County road Commission

Ambassador Club Ribbon Cuttings

Cadillac Tuxedo and Cadillac Winery Tasting room

209 North Mitchell

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a program of the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce

Womenin businessSelf Defense: Simple but Effective Strategies

The February Women in Business Luncheon’s topic was women’s self defense strategies. Our guest speaker was Chad Boolman, a Martial Arts Specialist |2nd Degree USTF with 19 years of training. In the United States a women is attacked every 3 minutes and women who fight back gain an 86% chance of avoiding an injury. Chad provided basic flight or fight scenarios and key components of self defense. Everyone enjoyed Chad’s talent for presenting a serious topic with a sometimes humorous twist. We would like to thank Chad for his useful presentation. The Women in Business Luncheon is a quarterly chamber event; please check our website for the latest details.

Program underwriters: Consumers Energy, FirstMerit Bank/Donna Weaver and Joni Holly/ Homewaters Recreational Real Estate.

Save the Date April 7, 2016 • NooN-3pM

Baker College of Cadillac. Online registration is available though

the chamber website Cadillac.org.


TM

The Outstanding Citizen Award recognizes and honors individuals who strive toward the highest level of professional accomplishments. Men and women, who excel in their chosen profession, have devoted significant time and energy to improve the community’s quality of life and have provided lead-ership to assist others in becoming involved in the community.

The Spirit of Community Award recognizes and

honors individuals who have devoted significant time and energy to improve the community’s quality of life and have provided leadership in development and/or expansion of volunteer projects, which have benefited members of the community.

Do you know someone deserving?

& 2016 Outstanding Citizen Spirit of Community Awards

Submit your Nominations for 2016 Outstanding Citizen and Spirit of Community Awards

Forms can be found at www.cadillac.orgdue Monday, May 23, 2016 by 5 PM.

Awards will be announced at theCadillac Area Chamber of Commerce

Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner, Wednesday, June 15, 2016

at Caberfae Peaks Ski & Golf Resort.


Houk leads Cogent Technology Solutions

New Chamber member, Rich Houk introduces Cogent Technology Solutions, Inc. CTS was created in a transition of the technology division from Baird, Cotter & Bishop PC to a sepa-rate and independent company. Houk is CTS President and sole owner. Cogent Technologies delivers a full spectrum of computer related services for business.

Joni and Jessica Holly, Homewaters Realtors for

Wexford, Missaukee counties

For the past decade Joni Holly has been working with sellers and buyers in the Cadillac area and has now joined Homewaters Recreational Real Estate. Joni’s daughter Jessica has also joined the company, bringing her expertise in technology and the lend-ing process.

Patent issued to Terry Umlor for Springfield LadderAnchorThe Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office

has issued a U.S. patent to Terry Umlor for his Springfield LadderAnchor product. The SpringfieldLadder secures an exten-sion ladder to the roof of a building in order to keep the ladder from slipping sideways along the roofline or slipping out from the wall at the ground level. Findings of the Bureau of Labor Statistics study of 1,400 ladder accidents indicate 53 percent of straight ladders had not been secured or braced at the bottom, and 61 percent had not been secured at the top.

Brian and Cater promoted by Groupe Beneteau

Following last year’s purchase of Rec Boat Holdings of Cadillac by Groupe Beneteau, some organizational changes were announced.

Dianne Brian, the key finance contact for Rec Boat Holdings of Cadillac, will continue to be based at the Cadillac facility and has been promoted to the position of Director of Finance, North America.

Kelly Cater, after being the leader of HR for the RBH Cadillac Facility, has been promoted to the position of Director of Human Resources, North America. Both were promoted in February.

•AvonAutomotive•AvonProtectionSystemsInc.•FIAMMTechnologiesLLC•RecBoatHoldingsLLC•KalkaskaScrewProductsInc.

The Michigan Advanced Technician Training (MAT2) Program is an apprenticeship model that allows your company to create highly skilled employees and ensures a future pipeline of qualified talent.

Finding skilled talent is THE number one issue facing Michigan companies.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT mitalent.org/MAT2

OR CONTACT THE MAT2 TEAM: [email protected]

1-888-522-0103

To date, over 40 companies are investing in more than

130 MAT 2 students!

To become a sponsor or apply for the program, call Baker College of Cadillac: 231-876-3149

Baker College of Cadillac: MAT2 mechatronics program sponsoring industries include:

•SkilledManufacturingInc.•RexAirLLC•BorgWarnerInc.•CadillacCastingsInc.•HutchinsonAntivibrationSystemsInc.

Rexair LLCBorgWarner Inc.


CONNECTED TO OUR

COMMUNITY

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIAmercbank.com231-775-9000 - Cadillac Downtown231-779-8954 - Cadillac North

CadillaC WexfordPubliC library

411 S. Lake St.Cadillac, MI 49601

(231) 775-6541www.cadillaclibrary.org

Cathy Tacoma

Cogent teChnology SolutionS134 West Harris Street, Suite 2

Cadillac, Mi 49601(231) 324-8398

www.cogent-ts.comRichard Houk

eWholSaler llC111 West River Street

Cadillac, MI 49601(231) 775-1322

www.ewholesaler.comFred Moomey

ina Store, inC.10035 21 mile

Tustin, MI 49688(231) 825-2575

www.theinastore.comDean Smallegan

Maggie’S tavern523 North MitchellCadillac, MI 49601

(231) 775-1810www.maggiestaverncadillac.com

Maggie Jones

MoSeS’ WindoW Cleaning2215 North Jacobson Road

P.O. Box 222Suttons Bay, MI 49682

(231) 271-4243Jorje Camacho

northern StrategieS 360148 East Front Street, Suite 203

Traverse City, MI 49684(517) 449-6453

www.northernstrategies360.comGabriel Schneider

northWeStern regional airPort CoMMiSSion

Cherry Capitol Airport727 Fly Don’t Drive

Traverse City, MI 49686(231) 947-2250

www.tcairport.comKevin Klein

Welcome New Members

Wolverine announced new

organizational structure

Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative announced the following departmental changes and promotions:

Don Heffelfinger has been promoted to oversee all maintenance-related engineering, and Jim Dietlin will coordinate all mainte-nance and operations logistics. Tim Martin has been promoted to Vice President of Engineering & Construction of the newly-created Engineering & Construction divi-sion. Klint Weaver has been promoted to Construction Manager and will report to Martin. Zach Anderson has been promoted to Manager of Power Supply and will oversee all of Wolverine’s generating plants and the Merchant Operations Center, recently com-bined into a single Power Supply group.

Also, Dawn Coon has been promoted to Manager of Administrative Services and will oversee all corporate administrative activities as well as buildings, grounds, and mainte-nance.


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Gracious Rehabilitation, Memory Careand Skilled Nursing Services

by Lutheran Social Services of Michigan

“We are very fortunate to have a placelike The Lakeview in our community.Highly skilled medical professionals,

caring upbeat attendants, and committedtherapists make the facility one I would

recommend to anyone. I can’t say enoughabout the terrific care I received.”

~ Don SamardichLongtime Attorney & Cadillac Resident

Thirsty Thursday YP mixers are held the first Thursday of every month at alternating locations. Please keep an eye on the Chamber’s facebook page as we will share the events when the dates and locations become available.


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2016 CadillaC SRX CRoSSoveRChallenge youR peRCeptionS.

eXpeRienCe a CadillaC foR youRSelf.

South End Business US-131, Exit 177, Cadillac • www.HighpointAuto.com

(231) 775-1222 • 1-800-828-9852

2016 CadillaC SRX

Data track 2015Wexford County Jan. 15 Feb. 15 Mar. 15 April 15 May 15 June 15 July 15 Aug. 15 Sept. 15 Oct. 15 Nov. 15 Dec. 15 Labor Force 14,613 14,603 14,575 14,523 14,979 15,003 14,850 14,598 14,386 14,370 14,412 14,541 Employment 13,379 13,483 13,465 13,628 13,891 13,990 13,830 13,805 13,637 13,599 13,679 13,775 Unemployment 1,234 1,120 1,110 895 1,088 1,013 1,020 793 749 771 733 766 Rate 8.4% 7.7% 7.6% 6.2% 7.3% 6.8% 6.9% 5.4% 5.2% 5.4% 5.1% 5.0%

Missaukee County Jan. 15 Feb. 15 Mar. 15 April 15 May 15 June 15 July 15 Aug. 15 Sept. 15 Oct. 15 Nov. 15 Dec. 15 Labor Force 7,131 7,140 7,226 7,014 7,344 7,400 7,337 7,217 7,095 6,972 6,887 6,962 Employment 6,534 6,583 6,666 6,560 6,856 6,915 6,862 6,851 6,752 6,632 6,575 6,614 Unemployment 597 557 560 454 488 485 475 366 343 340 312 348 Rate 8.4% 7.8% 7.7% 6.5% 6.6% 6.6% 6.5% 5.1% 4.8% 4.9% 4.5% 5.3%For more information go online to www.cadillac.org/discover/about_LaborActivity.htm

Cadillac Area YMCA Receives Loan Forgiveness

In 2009 the Cadillac Area YMCA opened its doors. Baker College of Cadillac played an instrumental part by providing the land with a 99-year evergreen lease for $1 per year. It also donated $1,250,000 toward the YMCA’s construction. The Baker College System, par-ent company of Baker of Cadillac based in Flint MI, continued the investment by loaning an additional $1,018,745 to help complete construction.

With the new year came some big news. “The Board is pleased to announce that the Baker College System, in its continued dedication to the Cadillac area community, has informed the board that it will forgive over $817,033 of the outstanding loan,” said Jason Elmore, Chairperson for the YMCA Board of Directors. “With a commitment from the YMCA to pay $175,000 over the next 5 years, Baker College System will in effect donate the remainder making the YMCA debt free.”

West Michigan Credit Union

receives A+ rating

West Michigan Credit Union, recently received an A+ national financial health rat-ing from DepositAccounts.com, which places it in the top 10% of the approximately 13,000 federally insured banks and credit unions nationwide, in terms of financial health.

Cadillac AreaChamber of Commerce222 N. Lake St.Cadillac, MI 49601-1874

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDTRAVERSE CITY

MIPERMIT #96

Take good care of the company you keep.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network offers the complete insurance solution to protect the overall health and well-being of your employees.

GROUP HEALTH PLANS | SPECIALTY BENEFITS | BCBSM.COM/EMPLOYERS

R051744

chamber magazine mar & apr 16

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