Northern MI Chamber Aliance Applauds Region’s Businesses In Setting Reopening Example For State

NORTHERN MI – The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance recognized the efforts of northern Michigan’s business owners, workforce, and community members to stay safe to stay open as Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the June 10 move of regions 6 and 8 to Phase 5 of the MI Safe Start Plan and the reopening of all businesses. The expanded reopening recognizes the efforts made by businesses and their customers to set an example for the state since the May 22 reopening of restaurants, bars, and retailers with capacity limits and other safety precautions.

“This announcement is welcomed by our rural northern Michigan communities and is a testament to our businesses’ commitment to keeping employees and customers safe during the reopening process,” said Stacie Bytwork, the chairperson of the Alliance and president of the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce. This announcement comes just days after the Alliance sent a letter to Governor Whitmer offering northern Michigan communities as partners in continued reopening. “We look forward to more businesses having open signs in their windows,” she continued.

“Chambers and economic development organizations within the Alliance have been working hard to support the tireless reopening efforts of our business communities,” said Amy Clickner, vice-chairperson of the Alliance
and CEO of the Lake Superior Community Partnership. She continued, “We know there is still much work to do and we will continue to serve as the business voice and advocate on behalf of northern Michigan.”

The Alliance has continued advocacy efforts to ensure the rural northern Michigan voice is included in reopening discussions. On June 3, the Alliance sent a letter to Governor Whitmer stating, “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.”

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.