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Cadillac Area A Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Publication BUSINESS MAGAZINE MAY/JUNE 2015 • Volume 21-No. 3 Campaign is a pure boost to area economy See page 6

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Chamber Magazine May & June 15

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  • Cadillac AreaA Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Publication

    Business MagazineMay/June 2015 Volume 21-No. 3

    Campaign is a pure boost to area economy

    See page 6

  • ur cover story captures the eco-nomic impact of tourism and demonstrates why continued

    investment matters to the Cadillac area. The Cadillac Area Chamber applauds the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau for imple-menting and sustaining a Cadillac area Pure Michigan campaign. The success is measurable. The return on investment is significant. The benefit is tangible for non tourist related industries, too. Business should embrace that there is more to tourism than promoting recre-ation and natural resources through Pure Michigan.

    The Northern Michigan Regional Chamber Alliance has strongly advo-cated for sustainable funding for Pure Michigan as a winning proposition. Affirming sustainable funding for Pure Michigan is good legislative policy and should not be construed as a set aside for the tourism industry. Pure Michigan gen-erates economic benefit for the Cadillac area, northern Michigan and the State of Michigan. Tourism is economic devel-opment, especially when factoring the ability to draw visitors from outside of Michigan, but recognizing in-state tour-ism is significant too and that is impor-tant to the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce.

    The Cadillac area has a distinct friendly vibe and welcoming nature. The Cadillac brand is integral in raising awareness, that if you visit here, you can work here and you certainly can have a great career here. Promoting our area has incalcu-lable value because that can be lever-aged for recruitment and even retention of talent. The Chamber is involved in the infancy stages with larger area employ-ers to promote awareness of careers in Cadillac. There will be emphasis on establishing a theme of live, work and play in the Cadillac area. The link to tour-ism is making visitors aware about the diversity of the regional economy, such as careers in manufacturing. It stands to reason that people and businesses select an area that they can enjoy living, work-ing, and playing.

    We encourage our members to contact the Chamber, if we can play a support-ive role with talent recruitment or even retention such as connecting a young professional to the community. We recog-nize selling our region is critical beyond the job opportunity. Promoting the advantages of the Cadillac area to visi-tors or prospective talent or businesses can succeed. Pure Michigan and regional tourism can help us get there.

    2 May/JUNE 2015 - 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 Cater, ChairRec Boat HoldingsKelly Smith, Vice ChairBaker College of CadillacScott Hunter, TreasurerBaird, Cotter & Bishop, PC.Jon Catlin, Past Executive DirectorChemical BankDavid CoxWexford Missaukee ISDBill Kring9 & 10 NewsDoug DeYoungConsumers Energy Tim KnaggsFekete Knaggs & Burr InsuranceDr. Kyle HoggDental Health ProfessionalsMelody HurleyWalmart Supercenter StoreDan MinorCadillac Casting Inc.Pete StalkerMercantile Bank of MichiganDon SchepersSchepers Agency, Inc.Brian WilliamsBlue Heron CafCHAMBER STAFF Bill Tencza, [email protected] Lanc, Director of Membership [email protected] Gillies, Leadership Director/[email protected] Hamilton, Administrative [email protected] Wood, Director of Government [email protected] Acosta, Great Start [email protected] Website:www.cadillac.orgPrinter: Pleasant GraphicsPublisher: Cadillac Area Chamber of CommerceThe 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

    2014/2015 Board of Directors

    Tourism is economic development

    Bill Tencza, Chamber President

    O

  • CadillaC area Chamber of CommerCe - May/JUNE 2015 3

    Visionary Partners:

    Cadillac HospitalMUNSON HEALTHCARE

    aar Mobility systems at&t

    Belle oakes Living Center inc.BorgWarner thermal systemsCadillac area Public schools

    Consumers energy Dte energy

    Fekete Knaggs & Burr insurance agency FiaMM technologies LLC

    Fifth third BankitC

    Mercantile Bank of Michiganrexair LLC

    Walmart supercenter storeWexford-Missaukee isD

    LeaDershiP Partners:

    A Zhongding Sealing Parts (USA) Inc. Company

    JsC EXCAVATING, INC. STONE & GRAVEL BACKHOE WORK SUBDIVISON & LAND DEVELOPMENT

    BASEMENTS EARTH MOVING

    GRADING & BULLDOZING FILL DIRT SEWER & WATER

    (231) 775-1773 (231) 775-0703 FAX9051 E. 48 1/2 Road Cadillac Shop Junction of M-115 & US-131

    Craig Johnson, CEO 231-878-3550 Bonded & Insured

    ConstructionExcavating

    BusinEss DirECtoryEdward DrachtPresident

    DRACHT CONSTRUCTION CO.Design Build Contracting

    Serving the greater Cadillac area since 1972.Butler Steel buildings CONVENTIONAL FRAMED BUILDINGS

    Commercial Industrial Institutional Agriculture ChurchesOffices Rubber Roofs Concrete Flatwork Complete Turnkey Projects

    23350 100th Ave. Marion, MI 49665 office: (231) 825-0035email: [email protected] fax: (231) 825-0038www.drachtconstruction.butlersteel.com cell: (231) 357-8718

    AMERICAN SOCIETY OFCONCRETE CONTRACTORS

    11014 S. Morey Rd., McBain, MI 49657 231-825-8051Christopher Schepers, Owner

    MarketingConcrete Construction

    To discuss a program thats right for your business.

    At the Cadillac News, were about finding a variety of solutions for the marketing and branding of your unique business.

    Our mission is to learn more about your business goals, trends and long term objectives and to utilize a variety of promotional options to accomplish them.

    Options include: Newspaper Marketing, Niche Marketing, Online Promotions & Services, Classified Marketing, Web Design & Development Services and Commercial Printing.

    Providing Your Complete Marketing Solution

    NewsC A D I L L A CTrusted. Local. Connected.

    Call Katheryn Kidder, Senior Sales & Marketing Specialist at (231) 779-4142.

    From left: Marcus Peccia, Cadillac City Manager; Ken Hinton, Wexford County Administrator, and Kelly Cater; Executive Director Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce presented the county with a trophy from Connect Michigan recognizing Wexford County as a Connected Community for access to broadband technology.

    Wexford County recognized as Certified Connected Community

  • 4 May/JUNEl 2015 - CadillaC area Chamber of CommerCe

    At Autumnwood of McBain...

    Get Well. Go Home.

    231-825-2990220 Hughston St., McBain

    www.cienahealthcare.com/michigan-facilities/autumnwood-of-mcbain Call today at 231-775-6565, to set up your FREE consultation.

    You have a vision. We have the resources.Let us build a website that works for you...not us.

    The mark of a strong business is a strong web presence, but managing your identity online can be a full-time job in itself. Thats where we come in. At CN Digital Solutions, your presence is our priority. We give you the tools you need and teach you how to use them. We work with you to build a web presence that works for you.

    Ethan Meyers, of Cadillac High School, questioned the governor about the impor-tance of standardized testing. Later, Gov. Snyder met with area media to give an update on Proposal 1.

    Governor Rick Snyder, Michigans

    highest-ranking elected official was excited to return to Cadillac

    Instead of signing bills into law, or attending meet-ings in Lansing, Governor Rick Snyder addressed over 800 attendees during the 38th Annual Governors Breakfast held at the Wexford County Civic Center. Members of the business community and students representing 12 area high schools attended the annual event. The Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce is the proud organizer of this annual program.

  • CadillaC area Chamber of CommerCe - May/JUNE 2015 5

    The service is freethe result is just the person youre looking for.

    FIND THE RIGHT CANDIDATE FOR THE JOB AT HIREQUALIFIED.COM

    6485HQ

    Computers HealthEducation Human ServicesEngineering/TechnologyBusiness

    TO FIND QUALIFIED EMPLOYEES, I RELY ON BAKER COLLEGE.

    Thank you!9&10 News/Fox 32AAR Mobility SystemsAvon AutomotiveAvon Protection Systems, Inc.B&P ManufacturingBaker College of CadillacBlue Cross Blue Shield Blue Care Network of MichiganBorgWarner Thermal SystemsCadillac Area Visitors Bureau Cadillac Casting, Inc.Cadillac NewsCadillac Tire CenterChemical BankConsumers EnergyDons Auto Clinic-Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep DTE EnergyEdward Jones Investments- Amy C. Schmid

    FIAMM Technologies LLCLaw Offices of King & King Fifth Third Bank Mercantile Bank of MichiganFirstMerit BankFox Motors of CadillacHighpoint Cadillac GMCITC McCurdy, Wotila & Porteous PCMunson Healthcare CadillacMichigan Rubber Products, Inc.Orrin A. Sprague Agency, Inc.Piranha Hose Products, Inc.Rec Boat Holdings, LLCFour Winns, Glastron Scarab WellcraftRexair LLCStar Truck Rentals, Inc.Wolverine Power Cooperative

    SponSorS

    The Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce is the proud organizer of this annual program since 1976.

    The Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce would like to thank our

    38th Annual Governors Breakfast Sponsors

    We would like to also acknowledge the following for their support, talent, and volunteerism:

    2014/2015 Cadillac Leadership Class, Cadillac Area Chamber Ambassadors,

    Cadillac Armory, Cadillac Area Public Schools,Cooley High School, Evergreen Resort,

    Wexford-Missaukee Career Technical Center, and the Wexford-Missaukee ISD All Star High School Band Our sponsors make it possible for students from the Wexford-Missaukee

    Intermediate School District, Bear Lake, Brethren, and Grayling Wexford-Missaukee Career Technical Center Students to attend the breakfast.

  • 6 May/JUNEl 2015 - CadillaC area Chamber of CommerCe

    Pure Michigan is turning into a pure mon-ey-maker for the greater Cadillac area.

    The Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau invests $35,000 for the summer Pure Michigan Campaign and and is looking at investing another $20,000 or more in the fall and win-ter partnerships, said Joy VanDrie, executive director of the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau. She said investing in the Pure Michigan cam-paign will likely increase as state program develops and allows for multiple media plat-forms.

    Each room sold in our area brings $160 to $180 in revenue to businesses daily, such as restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, retail stores, and attractions, VanDrie said. The impact is directly to the area business-es, which in turn offers additional jobs and amenities for area residents.

    But partnering with Pure Michigan the Cadillac area lodging has increased 6 to 8 percent each year, which is 5,000 to 6,0000 room nights per year, VanDrie said. That gen-erates nearly $1 million in new revenue each year.

    Weve grown our tourism annual revenue since 2012 by just under $1 million per year, while increasing our marketing from $40,000 per year to $250,000-plus per year, VanDrie said At the state level the Pure Michigan campaign offers a 6-to-1 return, and locally we are seeing a 5-to-1 return, and growing.

    VanDrie said the area is seeing an increase in occupancy rates during the week because visitors on their way north or heading back

    home stop in the Cadillac area.An area that the Cadillac Area Visitors

    Bureau has added to the mix is to increase mid-week occupancy with group meetings and conventions, VanDrie said. The area has an array of meeting facilities, and as we package the with transportation options, we are now competitive in the meeting industry.

    In 2011 Michigan passed legislation which allowed the visitor bureaus to increase asses-ments on transient rooms from 2 percent to 5 percent. In 2012 the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau increased its assessment to 3 percent and in 2013 increased it to 5 percent. The new revenue has been used in marketing.

    The $35,000 the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau is doubled through the Pure Michigan campaign, so $70,000 is spent on Cadillac in Pure Michigan advertising through the sum-mer campaign.

    The partnership has allowed the CAVB the ability to partner in many other facets of the larger Pure Michigan campaign, focusing on geographic regions such as Fort Wayne, South Bend, Toledo and Flint/Saginaw, VanDrie said. Occupancy from those zip codes have grown at a rate of 5 to 10 percent since the campaign has started.

    The Northern Michigan Alliance has worked to expand and promote the Pure

    Michigan campaign, said Kent Wood, Director of Government Relations for the Alliance.

    In recent years, the expanded campaign has boasted a 6-to-1 return on investment which has meant thousands of jobs and mil-lions of dollars in spending and investment in northern Michigan, Wood said. The Alliance believes that the Pure Michigan campaign continues to showcase what north-ern Michigan has to offer for tourists and businesses looking to move or expand, and we should continue to expand the funding and promotion of this campaign.

    Wood said that the Pure Michigan cam-paign is not the only way northern Michigans tourism has been boosted. He said tourism spiked in the month of August every year since the state enacted the post Labor Day start for schools.

    The law has led to increased travel vol-umes as a later start date for school has given Michigan families additional time for one last extended family vacation over the holiday weekend. Despite the economic benefit, there are some legislators that have introduced House Bill 4396 that would do away with the start date requirement, and the benefits it brings, he said. The Chamber Alliance opposes this legislation as it does very little to assist with school scheduling issues while creating potential economic difficulties for job providers in the tourism industry in northern Michigan.

    RetuRn on Investment

  • CadillaC area Chamber of CommerCe - May/JUNE 2015 7

    Local Investment.Local Faces.

    At Mercantile Bank weve assembled a team whos invested in the growth of the Northern Michigan communities and the vibrant businesses that thrive here. The people you see here every day understand your bankingand business needs because they live and work here too. Local decisions, local investment, local faces, thats how MercantileBank is here to get you there.

    www.mercbank.com

    &Please Join us at the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce

    2015

    Annual Meeting Awards Dinner

    Wednesday, June 17, 2015 Fox Hill Event Center

    MinDs At Work for a brighter future

    5:30PM reception 6:15PM Annual Meeting $40 per personFollowed by dinner semi Formal Attire

  • 8 May/JUNE 2015 - CadillaC area Chamber of CommerCe

    March 2015

    Rise Up! Cadillac

    Hosted by:

    Wexford Missaukee career Technical center

    Sponsored by:

    Northern Michigan Digital

    March 2015Adventures of the Chief Cupcake - Kitchen to Author!Presented by: Bridget Coffey, Chief Cupcake & Author

    Bridget Coffey shared the joys and hardship of career, marriage, kids and a cross county move only to find solace in baking. Bridget spoke about launching her cupcake business in the Cadillac area and chronicled her book Megans Cupcakes. The cookbook shares tips and tricks to getting it just right, recipes for every season, and her adventure of trying out for Cupcake Wars

    Program underwriters: Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Care Network of Michigan, Coldwell Banker/Joni Holy, Consumers Energy, Divorce Financial Consultant/Peg Lutz-Singer, and FirstMerit Bank/Donna Weaver

    a program of the Cadillac area Chamber of Commerce

    Womenin business

    Save the Date Rise Up! CadillacJuNe 10, 2015 7aM

    Location: rexair LLc

    May/June Health TipsFidget: Every little movement burns calories.

    Twiddle your thumbs. Squeeze one of those little exercise balls while you watch TV to burn calories and tone your arms at the same time.

    Portions: Pay attention to portion sizes according to the eating plan you choose. Use a normal size plate dont supersize it!

    Eat More Slowly: This allows your body the several minutes it takes to signal your brain that it is full.

    Try New Spices and Herbs in Place of Butter and Salt: Try some new spices and herbs and cut back on the butter and salt. You might be surprised to learn the antioxidant strength of some herbs another reason to add more to your diet.

    Add Variety: Occasionally adding a single new food to your routine can end monotony and increase nutrition.

    Be Aware of What You Eat: Keep a food diary (and be brutally honest no one else needs to see it).

    Substitute Low Calorie Density Foods for High: Choose foods with a low calorie density foods that have fewer calories relative to their weight. If you decrease the energy density of your diet, caloric intake will decline.

  • CadillaC area Chamber of CommerCe - May/JUNE 2015 9

    Ambassador Club Ribbon Cuttings

    The Comic Book E.R. 720 North Mitchell Street

    Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce

    22nd Annual BriefcaseOpen Golf Outing

    Friday, May 29, 2015Evergreen Resort (Host Course)

    & Lakewood on the GreenTeam and hole sponsor registration can be found at www.cadillac.org.

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

    *Proceeds benefit Chamber programs, services and legislative advocacy.

    Chamber Calendar

    May29 22nd Annual Briefcase Open Golf Outing Lakewood on the Green 9AM & Evergreen Resort 9:15AM (Host Course)

    June 4 Leadership Learning Series Noon - 3:00PM Creating & Modeling a Culture of Excellence Presented by: Tami Milligan, MSN, RN Baker College of Cadillac Student Center

    10 Rise Up! Cadillac 7AM Hosted By: Rexair LLC17 Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner Reception 5:30PM | Dinner 6:15PM Location: Fox Hill Event Center

    19 Lecture Luncheon Noon 1:15PM Cyber Security Fraud and ID Theft Presented by: Michelle Thren, Assistant Vice President Chemical Bank, Loss Prevention

    Online registration and additional information is available for upcoming chamber programs through our website www.cadillac.org. Please contact Amanda at [email protected] if you need assistance with registration.

    Deadline for the July/August 2015Cadillac Area Business Magazine is

    June 5, 2015. Share your business/organization news!

    Submit your Nominations for 2015

    Forms can be found at www.cadillac.orgdue Friday, May 22, 2015 by 4 PM.

    Awards will be announced at theCadillac Area Chamber of Commerce

    Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner, Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at Fox Hill Event Center.

    Do you know someone deserving?

    & Outstanding Citizen Spirit of Community Awards

  • 10 May/JUNEl 2015 - CadillaC area Chamber of CommerCe

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    Michigans Energy Future

    PrEsEntEd By: Doug DeYoung | Consumers Energy, Public Affairs Area Manager

    Michigan has taken positive steps to secure its energy future. Were using more renewable energy, improving energy efficiency and making our system more reliable. Now, Michigan must build the next generation of cleaner power plants to make sure we have affordable, reliable energy for our homes and businesses. New and changing federal regulations on air quality and carbon emissions will change Michigans energy landscape in the next two to five years. A total of nine coal plants will shut down in the state by 2016 due to air quality rules. More retirements are expected after 2020 as the Environmental Protection Agencys Clean Power Plan begins to take effect. Mr. Doug DeYoung explained how this will impact businesses.

    MArCh Lecture Luncheon

    Legislative information as well as Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance updates can be found at: www.cadillac.org under Legislative Advocacy, click on Northern Michigan Blog

    March YP Link is a Young Professional

    networking program of the Chamber. In March, Mercantile Bank Downtown Cadillac Branch hosted YP Link. The program offered an opportunity for Young Professionals to attend a networking reception related to the world of finance and meet community leaders who are experts in their field. YP Link is for all area YPs to network with each other as well as with local business leaders. To find out how you or one of your young professionals can be involved please email Deb Gillies, [email protected].

  • CadillaC area Chamber of CommerCe - May/JUNE 2015 11

    Cool Logic

    K-Series

    Viscous

    Thermal Shutter

    Cadillac Plant

    Our products lead the commercial diesel industry.www.borgwarner.com 231.779.7500 Jenni Johnson joins

    The Lakeview team as the Census Development Specialist

    www.thelakeviewofcadillac.org | (231) 775-0101460 Pearl Street | Cadillac, MI 49601

    The Lakeview welcomes newCensus Development Specialist

    I truly enjoy the rehab and nursing community and Im excited to be a part of the team here. I look forward to building relationships between our local communities and The Lakeview, said Jenni.

    The ComiC Book e.R. Dave Moussuau

    518 North Park StreetCadillac, MI 49601

    231-912-6810

    CReaTive CaRpenTRy, inC.Nick Nowlin

    1216 Dandy StreetCadillac, MI 49601

    231-468-2778

    DouBle J lawnCaRe plus llCJosh Johnson

    1041 North Mitchell StreetCadillac, MI 49601

    231-878-4264

    sTahl evenT BaRnRuth Stahl

    9421 South Lucas RoadMcBain, MI 49657

    231-825-2615

    Welcome Back:ChaRTeR speCTuRm Business

    1392 Trade Center DriveTraverse City, MI 49686

    231-932-8181

    huRon-manisTee naTional FoResTs

    Leslie Auriemmo1755 South Mitchell Street

    Cadillac, MI 49601231-775-2421

    Welcome New Members

    Coldwell Banker Schmidt Cadillac joins Traverse Area

    Association of Realtors Coldwell Banker Schmidt Cadillac recently joined the Traverse Area

    Association of Realtors (TAAR). With over 1,000 active Realtors members oper-ating under the Northern Great Lakes Realtors MLS, the management team at the Cadillac branch of the Coldwell Banker Schmidt Family of Companies determined it would enhance service to clients and agents with added market-ing, exposure, educational and technical support.

    Friends of the Cadillac Wexford Public Library receives $2,000

    Rotary and CAF grant

    Friends of the Cadillac Wexford Public Library were the recipients of two separate grants to assist bringing the Petoskey Steel Drum Band for a free pub-lic performance on Friday, July 17. Cadillac Area Festivals and Events, and Cadillac Rotary have each granted $1,000 respectively. The performance will be part of the 47th Annual Festival of the Arts in Cadillac.

    Baker College high school credit program hits record enrollment

    More than 1,150 students in 29 high schools and technical centers across northern Michigan are taking advantage of the Baker College coursework offered at their schools at no cost to the students or their families. Baker College of Cadillac direct credit program allows high school juniors and seniors to earn transferable college credits.

    The program has grown dramatically since 2011 when enrollment was approx-imately 200 students. In 2011, we began to hear from more schools interested in the program, and we devoted resources to offer it beyond the Cadillac area. The response has been tremendous said Kelly Smith, Baker College of Cadillac president.

  • 12 May/JUNEl 2015 - CadillaC area Chamber of CommerCe

    By Stefanie LaRoque and CRaig PeteRS

    This years Cadillac Leadership Class has 22 members, repre-senting 16 diverse community businesses and organizations. We are nearing the end of our nine month program where we have shared experiences to learn so much about our community and what makes our area truly special.

    As our team project, we chose to assist the Stehouwer Free Clinic with equipment upgrades and public awareness. Funds raised will fully stock each of their exam rooms with the proper medical equipment along with a few cosmetic upgrades to keep the clinic looking fresh. The awareness piece will help spread the word on the services the Stehouwer Free Clinic has to offer.

    On behalf of the Cadillac Leadership 2014-2015 Class, we would like to personally thank you for your support through our fund-raising efforts. We have received a tremendous amount of support from our sponsors, community partners, local business owners, and friends. Through your generous donations and investments, our class has hosted two successful events in support of our endeavor, the Stehouwer Free Clinic Improvement and Awareness Project. Both the Cadillac Variety Show and the Leadership and

    Friends Dinner were well organized, fully supported, and equally enjoyed by all who attended. Thanks to everyone who attended, donated, or supplied auction items for these events. Our success can only be measured by those who support our community ser-vice project. Thank you from all of us!

    We also wish to personally thank our volunteer painter, Douglas Ashworth, from Douglas Ashworth Home Improvements for his donation of time to paint areas within the Stehouwer Free Clinic.

    Thank you also to Cheryl Bader and staff members at the Stehouwer Free Clinic. Our developed partnership has proved successful and meaningful to all of us. Thank you for your contin-ued support and kind words!

    Proudly Sponsored by:

    Cadillac Variety ShowCadillac Variety Show Performers: Teresa Langworthy-Pierce, Pair O Jacks Band, Adam Joynt, Four Sassy Gals, Joel Sheltrown, CAPS High School Brass Ensemble, Pawn Shop Radio, The Moon Howlers, Quinn Crago, Brenda Wright & Sue OnanShow Sponsors: Baker College of Cadillac, Bandeen Orthodontics, Cadillac Casting, Inc., Cadillac News, Fox Motors of Cadillac, Highpoint Cadillac GMC, PADNOS, RE/Max Central-Mike McNamara and The DK Design GroupTicket Sponsor: Lakeside CharliesAdvertising: Cadillac NewsHost: Cadillac Area Public SchoolsEmcees: Teresa Langworthy- Pierce and Carl Kielbasa

    Sound Technician: Ken BassettStage Manager: Pat GogginStage Technicians: Rick Odette, Paul and Ben GaffkePrograms: Business Management Administration class at the Wexford Missaukee Career Technical CenterTicket Sales: Jennifer Gaffke, Julie Rushing, Mercantile Bank of Michigan and the Sweet ShopAll Auction Item Contributors

    Thank you for supporting the 11th Annual

    Thank you to everyone who supported the Cadillac Variety Show. We appreciate your generosity for the Cadillac Leadership Program and the 2014-2015 Leadership Class Project:

    The Stehouwer Free Clinic Awareness & Improvement Project

  • CadillaC area Chamber of CommerCe - May/JUNE 2015 13

    TM

    The Cadillac Area Silent Observer program began on April 1, 1991. One concerned citizen, with the help of the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce and law enforcement officials, started this program. Because of the continued success of the program, Silent Observer has expanded to include three counties, Wexford, Missaukee and Osceola. With a board of directors from every walk of life, the program was on its feet within two months and continues to grow. Silent Observer Tipsters can be rewarded for tips leading to arrests in the amount of up to $5000. Since its inception, Silent Observer has received over 4,200 tips and is celebrating 1000 good tips that have directly lead to an arrest! These tips have lead to arrests for; Homicide, Criminal Sexual Assault, Robbery, Burglary, Assault, Larceny, Destruction of Property, and many other crimes including the following major crimes: Missaukee County Reedsburg Dam murders 1995 Credit Union Robbery 2011 Citizens Bank Robbery in Leroy 2012 Clark Gas Station Robery 2013 After 26 Depot breakin and vadalism 2014 Amvets Post breakin and larceny 2014 Highpoint Cadillac breakin and five vehicle larceneys in three

    counties 2014With the substantial longevity of the Silent Observer program and the

    extremely sucessful tips received in recent years, the programs mis-sion is strongly solidified and hereunto enforces the need to continue to grow the program. The Cadillac Area Silent Observer Organization is approaching 25 years of anonymously fighting crime and we are

    excited about the opportunities for growth with modern technology. Silent Observer is looking at adding features for tipsters to participe in the program with online anonymous tip forms, texting and a phone app where tipsters will be able to upload pictures, videos, look up the Silent Observers most wanted list with photos included and check out a highlight of a cold case from each one of our three counties. As the program moves in this direction please keep an eye out on the Silent Observer Facebook page for a new website that will support these plat-forms and more information about what is being planned for the 25th anniversary year! The Cadillac Area Silent Observer Board would like to thank everyone who supports and utilizes the program. It is because of our supporters and board members that we can account for so many sucessful years of fighting crime anonymously in the three county area!

    Silent Observer to Celebrate 25 Years

  • Baker College teacher preparation program earns

    national accreditation

    The Baker College teacher preparation program has earned national initial accreditation for five years by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This endorsement is based on prin-ciples set by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) that support the preparation of competent, caring and qualified profes-sional educators.

    The Baker College teacher preparation program provides the knowl-edge and skills necessary for students to receive a Michigan provision-al teaching certificate for select subjects.

    Bachelors and post-bachelors options in elementary and second-ary education include early childhood, English, history, language arts, mathematics, and social studies. Upon degree completion and passing the required state tests, students are eligible to apply for certification.

    Schepers Agency adds staff memberDon Schepers, president of Schepers

    Agency, Inc. of McBain, has announced the addition of Lisa Ziegler to their staff.

    As a longtime resident of the greater Cadillac area, Ziegler brings experience in property and casualty and life insurance products as a licensed agent.

    Cody Mallory named new head football coach for

    Cadillac High School

    Cadillac Area Public Schools Board of Education approved the hir-ing of Cody Mallory to replace retiring head football coach Jim Webb.

    Mallory graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in secondary education and teaches social stud-ies. He comes to Cadillac from Frankfort High School, where he was the varsity offensive and defensive coordinator. He was head varsity football coach and assistant athletic director at Provo High School in Utah from 2011-2013. He began his coaching career as defensive coor-dinator for Frankfort High School.

    Mallory was named the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the year in 2014.

    14 May/JUNEl 2015 - CadillaC area Chamber of CommerCe

    Member FDIC

    2423_FM15

    FirstMerit PrivateBank and Commercial Banking

    For Jeff, managing personal and business finances on his own was

    challenging. But with the support of his FirstMerit Bank team of

    advisors, he was able to use their Treasury Management services to

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    Align your personal and professional plans today. For a

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    TO L E A R N MOR E, C ON T A C T :

    John Alef, Vice President, Business Banking, at 989-344-4003 or [email protected].

    Beth McMall, PrivateBank Team Lead,at 989-776-7368 or [email protected].

    Deposit and loan products are offered through FirstMerit Bank, N.A. Loans are subject to credit approval.

    *Non-deposit trust products are not insured by the FDIC, are not deposits or other obligations of FirstMerit Bank, N.A. or any of its affiliates, are not guaranteed by FirstMerit Bank or any of its affiliates, and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal invested.

    CIC Benefit Consulting Group is now

    44North1406 North Mitchell Street

  • CadillaC area Chamber of CommerCe - May/JUNE 2015 15

    www.DonsAutoClinic.comHonesty and Integrity are the Foundation of Our Business!

    1110 N. Mitchell, Cadillac, MI 775-2413Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 AM-5:30 PM, Sat. 8 AM-2 PM, Other by Appt.

    Sit Back & Enjoy the Ride!

    2015 Jeep Cherokee Latitude 4x4

    Stop In & Check it out!

    Data track 2014-2015

    Wexford County Jan. 15 Feb. 15 Mar. 15 April 14 May 14 June 14 July 14 Aug. 14 Sept. 14 Oct. 14 Nov. 14 Dec. 14 Labor Force 14,613 14,603 14,575 13,298 13,597 13,754 13,968 13,533 13,317 13,255 13,193 13,277 Employment 13,379 13,483 13,465 12,053 12,347 12,429 12,417 12,504 12,224 12,258 12,242 12,293 Unemployment 1,234 1,120 1,110 1,245 1,250 1,325 1,551 1,029 1,093 997 951 984 Rate 8.4% 7.7% 7.6% 9.4% 9.2% 9.6% 11.1% 7.6% 8.2% 7.5% 7.2% 7.4%

    Missaukee County Jan. 15 Feb. 15 Mar. 15 April 14 May 14 June 14 July 14 Aug. 14 Sept. 14 Oct. 14 Nov. 14 Dec. 14 Labor Force 7,131 7,140 7,226 5,929 5,966 6,043 6,106 5,938 5,769 5,742 5,713 5,817 Employment 6,534 6,583 6,666 5,283 5,411 5,448 5,442 5,480 5,358 5,373 5,366 5,388 Unemployment 597 557 560 646 555 595 664 458 411 369 347 429 Rate 8.4% 7.8% 7.7% 10.9% 9.3% 9.8% 10.9% 7.7% 7.1% 6.4% 6.1% 7.4%For more information go online to www.cadillac.org/discover/about_LaborActivity.htm

    Cadillac Area YMCA promotes two employees

    The Cadillac Area YMCA is pleased to announce that Paul King has accepted a promotion to a full-time position as Membership Manager. In this new role Paul will manage the Welcome Center, membership, marketing and public relations, and all special events.

    Kurt Baney is being promoted to the position of Y Cause Specialist reporting to Paul. Kurt will focus in more detail on larger special events, the annual marketing plan, and marketing materials.

    ATTENTION CHAMBER MEMBERS: This program offers a unique combination of promoting

    member to member buying, boosting sales for our members, and increasing member visibility.

    Go to www.cadillac.org click on the Member2Member Advantage Program to get started promoting your business, & saving you and your employees money.

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

    PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

    PAIDTRAVERSE CITY

    MIPERMIT #96