November 2013 Chamber Newsletter

Photo by Betsy O’Leary

| Inside This Issue:

| Our Superior Partners. Thank You!

Proud Member of

Member 2013

New and Returning Members

Board of Directors

Aspirus New Houghton Clinic

Employer Felony Inquiry Ban

Rep. Dianda Proposes Bill 5065

Ten Networking Tips

myHealth by Portage Health

GreenForces LLC

December Eggs & Issues: Bioenergy

Rep. Dianda Responds to Coburn

Cal. Visitors Center Winter Hours

U.S. Patent Office in Houghton

Past Eggs & Issues Reviews

KCF Brick Project Fundraiser

DDIY

Business Events Calendar

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ISSUE #16 NOVEMBER 2013 |

Eagle SponsorsChassell Carpentry and Woodwork, Inc.Daily Mining GazetteKeweenaw Brewing CompanyPilgrim River Hills and AcresTadych’s Econo Foods

Birdie SponsorGreat Lakes Wine and Spirits

15th Annual Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing & Business Social – Thank Yous!On September 11th, community and business members came together for a sunny day of golf, networking, and lots of laughs. We thank the following sponsors for donations of cash and prizes:

Par SponsorsAspirus KeweenawCopper Country FordHancock Bottling Coca ColaMidwest Loan ServicesPepsi of HoughtonPortage HealthRiver Valley BankTervo AgencyTolksdorf RealtyUP Engineers and ArchitectsUPPCO

And of course, special thanks go to the great staff at Portage Lake Golf Course; Tervo Agency for their sponsorship of a $10,000 hole-in-one opportunity; and Copper Country Ford for sponsoring the opportunity to win a Ford vehicle. Ì

2 KEWEENAW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWSLETTER

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Sandra Lewin Agency,Farm Bureau47431 Hwy M-26Houghton, MI 49931906.483.4935 / FAX [email protected]

Board Of Directors

Johanna Davis, PresidentOwner,Spirit of the North Wellness [email protected]

Brent Burns, Vice PresidentDirector of Corporate Partnerships, Michigan Technological [email protected]

Greg Seppanen, TreasurerAssistant Vice President / Trust, Superior National [email protected]

Karyn Olsson, SecretaryChief Marketing Officer, Marketing Department [email protected]

Lisa DunnebackeAssociate [email protected]

Michael ScottPublisher, The Daily Mining [email protected] Matt ThyerOwner, Up and Running Technology [email protected]

Glen TolksdorfOwner, Tolksdorf Realty and [email protected]

Karin Van DykeVice President for University RelationsFinlandia [email protected]

A-1 Toy-LetsAdvance Tec Body RepairBarbara Kettle Gundlach Shelter HomeBella Vista MotelBHK Child DevelopmentBill Fink CommunicationsBill Siler Contracting, Inc.Black Bear, Inc.Blue Terra Energy, LLCBob Hager Agency, Inc.Book Concern PrintersCharter CommunicationsCM Morris ContractingCommunity Action AgencyCopper Country National Scenic BywayCopper Country Veterinary ClinicCoppertown USA Mining MuseumCountry Village ShopsCrampton SurveyingCredit Services, Inc.Cross Country SportsD&L JanitorialDana Johnson DeMarois & DeMarois Logging

Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome our newest members and recognize the dedication of our renewed members!

Welcome New Community PartnersBaraga Telephone CompanyJohn French204 State St, Baraga, MI [email protected]

Welcome Back Returning MembersDesignotype PrintersDown Wind SportsEagle River Sunset House Edward Jones – Robert Nelson, HoughtonGitzen CompanyGreat Lakes AccountingGreenlight Restaurant, Lounge and LodgingGundlach Champion, Inc.Hancock Coca Cola Bottling Co.InSight EyeCareJoey’s Seafood and GrillJonathan M. Luse, CPAKemp’s Four Season Log Home RentalKemp’s Portage Lake Log Home and Vacation RentalKevin’s Self Storage Keweenaw Automation Keweenaw Gem and GiftKeweenaw National Historical ParkLake Fanny Hooe ResortLakeland Luoma Insurance, HubbellLakeland Luoma Insurance, Laurium …Continued on page11

Welcome Back Developing PartnerMichigan Tech Employees Federal Credit Union


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On September 23rd, Aspirus Keweenaw broke ground on a new multi-service health care clinic in Houghton that will provide patients easier access to a variety of services in one location. The clinic will bring family medicine, pediatrics, oncology, orthopedics, women’s health, outpatient therapies, pharmacy, lab services and diagnostic imaging, including mammography, into one facility. Construction began in September and the clinic will open in June 2014.

“We’re increasing the number of doctors and specialists under one roof to save patients time and energy going from one clinic to another for various procedures and tests,” said Aspirus Keweenaw Medical Director Dr. Jerry Luoma. “We’re going to do more for the patient right here than most free-standing clinics around the country currently offer.”

The $5.4 million, 18,389-square-foot clinic location is near Walmart and Country Inn and Suites. In addition to all of the other services supported, the facility will hold 19 exam rooms dedicated to primary and specialty care.

Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital Breaks Ground on New Multi-service Health Care Clinic in Houghton

“While our current Medical Arts clinic has served the community for a number of years, it became apparent that we needed to expand our facility with the addition of services and physicians to our Houghton health care team,” said Aspirus Keweenaw Chief Operating Officer Mike Hauswirth. “The new construction design gives us the ability to work around the changing needs of the community. We are consolidating our clinic and therapy services plus adding space to support the most-needed specialty services.”

Dr. Luoma said the new clinic gives Aspirus Keweenaw greater capacity for the Women’s Health program. Women will have comfortable, convenient access to routine screenings including breast and pelvic exams, bone density tests, lab work and other related services, all in one location.

Aspirus Houghton Clinic is loaded with features to maximize the patient experience, starting with easy access parking and a drive-under canopy at the front entrance. Central registration and a patient waiting area will be near the main entrance, as will rehabilitation and outpatient therapies. Ì


Sending our warm

holiday wishes

Building Business Through Banking

personal banking business banking mortgage

Calumet Houghtonwww.rivervalleybank.com

MI Legislature Considers Ban on Employer Felony InquiryOriginal story by Melissa Anders, MLive.com

A Michigan Assembly committee recently heard testimony regarding a potential ban on felony conviction check boxes on job applications.

Supporters of the measure say the check boxes unfairly discriminate against people with criminal histories and hinder their ability to become successful members of society. But some major business groups say the hiring process should be up to employers, and the box is helpful in ensuring the safety of employees and customers. The House Commerce Committee heard testimony November 12th on the bill but did not vote on it.

“Ban-the-box” legislation introduced last March by Rep. Fred Durhal Jr., D-Detroit, would ban employers from asking about felony convictions on applications unless the position bans such felons, such as police officers. Employers could still ask about criminal history during interviews, and conduct background checks. Someone who alleges a violation could sue the employer. Michigan law allows employers to ask about felony or misdemeanor convictions and felony arrests that did not result in a conviction.

Durhal said helping convicted felons secure employment would cut back on repeat offenders, therefore helping to reduce Michigan’s $2 billion annual corrections budget.Mark Peters, CEO of Butterball Farms in Grand Rapids, said some of his best employees have come out of the prison system.

“The fact is our prisons are educating individuals in skilled trades and other kinds of work background that employers in our state need right now,” he said.

Supporters also say the move is needed since the state significantly cut its Michigan Prisoner Reentry Initiative budget by almost 40 percent.

Rep. Harvey Santana, D-Detroit, said he’s interested in helping convicted felons, but also is concerned for people’s safety, citing the case of two employees of a Family Dollar in Dearborn who were murdered by a fired manager who had a criminal background. The store doesn’t have a felony check box on its applications, Santana said. Ì

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Rep. Dianda Proposes Bill to Aid Emergency Patients Lawmaker proposes legislation for Ontonagon County

LANSING, Mich. — State Representative Scott Dianda (D-Calumet) introduced House Bill 5065 on October 8th that would exempt only Ontonagon County from the licensing requirement that ambulance services provide Advanced Life Support (ALS) on a 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week basis. Ontonagon County’s only ambulance service, the nonprofit SONCO, has been unable to sustain 24-7 ALS services, leaving residents without any ALS service whatsoever. As the law currently stands, SONCO’s employees cannot provide more than Basic Life Support (BLS) services, which prevents paramedics from mechanically ventilating patients, administering EKG interventions, or providing patients with potentially life-saving medications while in transit. With the passage of HB 5065, SONCO could provide ALS transport and transfers on a part-time basis to more than 6,400 residents who currently are without this coverage.

“SONCO has tried and failed to implement 24-7 ALS services. Unfortunately, it has been proven time and again that these regulations just aren’t going to work for Ontonagon,” said Dianda. “But SONCO can provide safe ALS transport and transfers on a part-time basis. It is a much better alternative than forcing patients to wait until an ambulance from Marquette or Houghton is available. Waiting puts lives at risk and jeopardizes patients’ long-term recovery.”

Without 24-7 ALS ambulances in the area, Aspirus Ontonagon — a critical access hospital — does not have the ability to transport its patients to Marquette General, the nearest higher-level care hospital. Additionally, Ontonagon is located outside of Marquette and Houghton ambulance service zones, meaning that patients in that facility are considered the lowest priority for ambulance transport. Patients have waited up to 20 hours before they can begin the 114-mile ambulance ride to Marquette. The total lack of ALS service in Ontonagon is unique in all of Michigan.

The bill is currently awaiting action in the House of Representatives, with no vote scheduled as of yet. Ì

Chamber Members, We Need Your Brochures!

Stop in to check out the newly remodeled Chamber office/Visitor Center, and bring your business brochures to fill our racks. Visitors to the area find useful information on our shelves, and we want our Chamber member businesses to be represented. This is a great ways to increase your company’s visibility!

Call the Chamber office at 482.5240 or email [email protected] for more information. Ì

Chamber Seeking New Board Members

We need motivated, interested individuals to put their names in the running for board member seats. Elections will be January 9th at 7:30 am, just before Eggs & Issues.

Call the Chamber office at 482.5240 or email [email protected] for more information. Ì


The Dell Optiplex$679(Monitor not included)

What areyour options?

www.uartechsolutions.com (906) 482-4800

Computers runningMicrosoft Windows XPwill no longer be supportedor protected.At Up and Running we stay on top of changes that affect our clients. Microsoft will officially end support for Windows XP in April of 2014.

What does this mean for you?

After April 8, Microsoft XP will no longer offer support through Windows Updates and that leaves your computer prone to viruses and other malicious software. There will be no way to continue protecting a computer that runs XP.

Up and Running specializes in consulting with you on your computer and technology options. We have

prepared a standard computer build for most office environments. The Dell Optiplex being offered features an

Intel I3 processor, 4GB of RAM and a 3-year warranty. This system is priced at $679 and comes with a

keyboard and mouse. A variety of upgrade options and case sizes are available. We also offer data transfer

services where we will move all your programs and files to your new computer.

If you plan on purchasing a new computer to replace your current XP computer please contact us no later

than March 13, 2014. This gives us ample time to transfer over data, set up your new computer and

programs, and properly dispose of your old computer.

Downtown Houghton

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Interested In Getting Involved?

This is an incredibly exciting time as we bring our efforts into focus to support, attract and develop businesses like yours!

For more information on the benefits of a Chamber membership, visit our website at www.keweenaw.org or call our office at 906.482.5240 to see how we can help your business launch, grow, and achieve its full potential.

Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce902 College Avenue, P.O. Box 336Houghton, MI 49931

p. 906.482.5240f. 906.482.5241e. [email protected]

www.keweenaw.org

www.facebook.com/Keweenaw.Chamber

Ten Tips for Networking in the Keweenaw

1. Check out event calendars on the following organizations’ websites for networking opportunities: Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce, Keweenaw Young Professionals, Michigan Technological University, MTEC SmartZone.

2. Speak on panels and to local groups about your expertise, company, agency or cause.

3. Wear branded clothing.4. Volunteer in our community – this is one of the greatest things about

living in the U.P. Rotary, Kiwanis and Lions Clubs are great places to start.

5. Be a matchmaker; introduce people to others who might be able to help them.

6. Host a party for your clients. Ask them to invite a guest!7. Participate in online chats and forums related to your subject area.8. Host a Webinar.9. Treat everyone with respect. We live in a small town and you never know

to whom the person in front of you is connected.10. Dress for success! You represent your business or organization. Ì

304 Shelden Avenue,Houghton

COLLECTIONCENTER

Join Joey’s Seafood & Grill and the Toys For Tots Toy Collection Campaign. Donate a new, unwrapped toy* at Joey’s collection

box until December 17 and receive a $5 Gift Certificate.

Thank you and Merry Christmas,from your friends at

Joey’s Seafood & Grill.*valued at $5 or more

Image copyright Boise Networking


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Portage Health has always focused on providing the highest quality healthcare possible for our community. Don’t just take our word for it, though. In the last year Portage Health has been recognized by a wide variety of national and regional independent reviewers. These recognitions provide a testament to the high standards Portage Health has committed to. We invite you to learn more about our commitment to quality healthcare by visiting our website, portagehealth.org/HereForYou

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Business leaders across the nation are looking for ways to focus on wellness and preventive health as a way to offset rising healthcare costs, and improve other key business aspects, such as productivity and morale.

One result from that focus is the development of comprehensive wellness programs for employees.For small to midsize organizations, those programs can be difficult to implement, which is why Portage Health has expanded its internal wellness program to local businesses and organizations.

“We have a strong desire and commitment to improve the health of our community,” said Joni Erkkila, Wellness Coordinator at Portage Health. “The work place is an excellent venue to personally work with and engage community members in their health, while simultaneously helping the company improve their bottom line. We provide this program at a low cost specifically for these reasons.”

Portage Health’s offering, called myHealth by Portage Health, is a comprehensive wellness program designed to enhance participants’ well-being by promoting healthy and responsible lifestyle choices through education, motivation and empowerment. Portage Health staff provide a four-pronged approach to wellness: screenings, health risk assessment, education and risk management engagement.

This includes an online health risk assessment, a monthly wellness newsletter and on-site biometric health screenings.

“Studies have proven that more than 75 percent of an employer’s healthcare costs and productivity losses are attributed to employee lifestyle choices,” Erkkila said. “myHealth by Portage Health is designed to inform individuals of their current health status, and provide the tools and education to make better lifestyle choices.”

The ideas are often discussed by proactive leaders in businesses and organizations, but Erkkila said, from the feedback she’s heard, the next step isn’t an easy one.

“Many businesses want to institute a wellness program,” Erkkila said. “But they don’t know where to start and don’t have the personnel or tools to make it successful. We’ve been running this program for more than five years internally, and we are ready to share our recipe for success with the rest of our community.”

The program can be adjusted to fit the needs of each individual employer, with a wide variety of services available.

If you’re interested in implementing a wellness program at your work, contact Joni Erkkila at 906.483.1562 or [email protected]. Find more information on the program at portagehealth.org/myHealth. Ì

myHealth by Portage Health: Locally Designed and Managed Wellness Program for Copper Country Businesses and Organizations

League of Women Voters of the Copper CountryLibrary Restaurant and Brew PubLoading ZoneMariner North Massie ManufacturingMauricesMcDonald’s RestaurantMemorial Chapel Funeral HomeMine Shaft and Rock House Grill Nicholas Insurance AgencyNorthern Light Cottages

Northwoods Resort and ApartmentsNorthwoods Sporting GoodsOn Air VoicesOntonagon Housing CommissionPortage Health – Superior PartnerRamada WaterfrontRev. Kathryn Salmi Christian CounselingRonald Fisher, DDSRukkila, Negro & Associates, CPASociety of St. John – The JampotSpirit of the North Massage and Wellness

Welcome Back Returning Members …Continued from page 3

Superior Auto PartsSuperior MonogrammingSuperior Screed ServiceSuperior Travel/Travel LeadersThomas J. MoyleU.P. Oil CompanyVic Pietila InsuranceVillage of South RangeWLUC TV-6


Houghton, Mich. — With aerospace and defense budget cuts, those industries are working harder to find solutions that keep America globally competitive and safe. As a result, the companies who service those industries also have to be more creative to deliver more for less.

MTEC SmartZone supports five local technology and manufacturing companies who are collaborating with Michigan Technological University to create a new company called GreenForces LLC. Together this partnership can provide industry solutions that are reliable, trusted, flexible and cost effective.

GreenForces delivers projects for the aerospace and defense industries, from design and prototyping to production. In addition to Michigan Tech, Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) and Houghton County, GreenForces includes the following Michigan companies:• GS Engineering, Houghton• IR Telemetrics, Hancock• Creative Composites, Rapid River• L’Anse Manufacturing, L’Anse• Calumet Electronics Corporation, Calumet

MTEC SmartZone’s investment in GreenForces is driven by the potential for job creation. As GreenForces generates revenue for these companies, the companies will create jobs.

GreenForces is managed by a board of directors that includes representatives from each of the companies. Together, the board conducted a national search to find an experienced CEO and business development specialist from the aerospace and defense industries. Their efforts were successful and resulted in the hiring of a new CEO, Scott Teigen.

Teigen brings extensive experience to GreenForces. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he spent more than a decade working in advanced weapons for an international aerospace and defense company.

In his new position, Teigen is responsible for introducing GreenForces as an industry solution, while creating national and international visibility for the individual companies. “The strength of our combined talents and capabilities allows us to take an idea from prototype to production, covering every aspect of development and

production for a customer,” Teigen said. “Our approach allows each company to focus on doing what they do best, while supporting and helping each other grow.”

GreenForces partner and GS Engineering Vice President Chris Coxon said GreenForces will positively impact partners by opening doors to new contracts. “This process is driven by us leveraging each other’s expertise as we approach potential clients,” he said. “Having such a strong and diverse organization allows us to bring unique solutions to industry.”

MTEC SmartZone was instrumental in getting GreenForces off the ground. The initiative is funded by the individual companies, Michigan Tech and a sizeable grant from MTEC SmartZone. In addition to providing the grant, MTEC SmartZone secured funding to cover the expense of AS 9100 certification for the companies, which is required to compete in the aerospace industry. “We are excited to help our companies with business development expertise that creates new revenues and new jobs in the community,” said MTEC SmartZone CEO Marilyn Clark.

Teigen has hit the ground running with GreenForces, working on branding and start-up sales initiatives. He will also attend national aerospace and defense tradeshows to reveal their new strategy. Ì

MTEC SmartZone Supports GreenForces Initiative With Start-up Grant Five local technology, manufacturing companies collaborate with Michigan Tech to target the aerospace and defense industries

Scott Teigen

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BIOENERGYUSING WOODY BIOMASS TO CREATE

HEAT AND ELECTRICITY

Special guest speaker

Melissa Davis Managing Director of New Power Tour, Inc.

This presentation will introduce the vocabulary with which businesses, municipalities, and the general public can converse about woody biomass, and will foster a productive discusson on the many ways Keweenaw residents can use the abundant regional supply of woody biomass to best local advantage.

Melissa Davis is Managing Director of New Power Tour, Inc., a dynamic Keweenaw-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase the use of renewable, water and energy-efficient technologies. Davis will discuss some of New Power Tour’s projects, which include its new website: newpowertour.com. Within twenty minutes, a person can learn an introductory vocabulary about the use of woody biomass waste to create heat and electricity, or “Bioenergy.”

SPOTLIGHT ON

BIOENERGY

Please RSVP at 906.482.5240 or email [email protected] find more information at www.keweenaw.org

Join us for breakfast and bring your questions!

Thursday, December 5, 20137:30–9 a.m.

Shelden Grill, Houghton


Keweenaw National Historical Park Announces Calumet Visitor

Center Winter Hours

Calumet, Mich. — The National Park Service at Keweenaw National Historical Park announced winter hours for the Calumet Visitor Center, which is free and open to the public.

From November through April, the Center will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from 9am to 5pm.

Keweenaw National Historical Park invites residents and visitors to learn about the nationally significant story of copper mining on the Keweenaw Peninsula, the community of Calumet, the Calumet & Hecla Mining Company, and how the copper mining industry evolved over time.

National Park Service rangers and volunteers provide orientation to the Keweenaw Heritage Site partners as well as general park information at the Calumet Visitor Center. The Center also features a sales area for interpretive materials offered by the Isle Royale & Keweenaw Parks Association, which provides funds to enhance visitor experience and education throughout the park.

A centerpiece of the facility is the 14-minute film, Risk and Resilience: Life in a Copper Mining Community, and the two-floor exhibit of the same name.

The entire Copper Country community is encouraged to visit the free facility with friends and relatives to enjoy the 400-artifact exhibit that provides a historical perspective of life in the Calumet area. Descriptors from residents and visitors include “world-class,” “the best of the best in interpretive exhibits,” and “we keep coming back for more!”

The Calumet Visitor Center is conveniently located at 98 Fifth Street at the entrance to historic downtown Calumet, just two blocks off of Highway US-41 along Red Jacket Road.

For more information please contact Keweenaw National Historical Park at the Calumet Visitor Center: 906.483.3176, or visit www.nps.gov/kewe. Ì

Rep. Dianda Responds to Attack on National Parks in the U.P.

On October 30th, State Representative Scott Dianda (D-Calumet) responded to a 208-page report by Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) in which the Senator claims Isle Royale National Park and Keweenaw National Historical Park, both located in Dianda’s district, are among the most wasteful expenses in the country. “On behalf of Mother Nature, I would like to apologize to Sen. Coburn,” Dianda said. “It is clear that growing up in a place like Oklahoma has robbed the senator of any ability to imagine the rugged natural beauty of Isle Royale and the Keweenaw. Had he been exposed to natural beauty at a younger age, maybe he would understand its importance.”

The report issued by Coburn purports that the $11.5 billion federal maintenance backlog has been caused by financially supporting misplaced priorities – Isle Royale and the Keweenaw – instead of giving those funds to “parks and memorials with true national significance.”

In fact, the Keweenaw Peninsula was at one time the nation’s largest supplier of copper, and played an enormous role in the country’s industrialization and electrification. The National Park Service has worked to preserve historic industrial and cultural sites associated with the mining boom, and to tell the story of immigrants who came from over 30 countries to work in the mining industry. The Keweenaw also has geographic significance as the site of the oldest and largest lava flow on earth.

Dianda said, “Since Sen. Coburn clearly has no idea what extraordinary beauty exists here in Isle Royale and the Keweenaw, I am extending an open invitation to the senator to be my personal guest on a tour of these gorgeous national parks. And as far as the national significance of these beauties, well, perhaps the senator did not know that a portion of the copper in the Statue of Liberty came from the Keweenaw.”

Along with the inherent natural beauty and historical significance of the copper industry in the Isle Royale and Keweenaw National Historical Parks, Dianda argues that the parks contribute to Michigan’s growing tourism industry. The U.P., and specifically the two national parks, have garnered national attention as part of the Pure Michigan campaign. Ì

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Houghton Home to a New Patent and Trademark Resource Center

Houghton is now home to a new center for patents and trademarks, as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) opened a new location there this November. The Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC) is located

at the J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library at Michigan Technological University. Its role is to help the public learn more about patents and trademarks, provide reference assistance, and offer training programs. A patent and trademark center particularly helps researchers, inventors, entrepreneurs and creators protect intellectual property and innovations, which makes it pretty perfect for Houghton. PTRCs are part of a nationwide network located in public, state and academic libraries, and offer services to inventors, attorneys, agents, businesses, researchers, entrepreneurs, students, historians and the public, allowing access to resources headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. The Houghton location is the 83rd such center to open and will employ USPTO-trained librarians. Its services are free and will include help accessing and using patent and trademark documents, training in how to use USPTO databases, and hosting public seminars on intellectual property topics. “As a Michigan native I am particularly delighted that the USPTO will be working with the Michigan Technological University in Houghton to better serve the IP community throughout the state’s Upper Peninsula,” says Teresa Stanek Rea, Deputy Undersecretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Deputy Director of the USPTO. “Patent and Trademark Resource Centers serve as the local face of the USPTO and, through agency-trained librarians and free resources, promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship nationwide.” Ì

Writer: Sam EgglestonSource: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office


September Eggs & Issues: Spotlight On Health Care Reform – Part Two

At the September 26th Eggs & Issues gathering at the Hancock Ramada Inn, interest was intense as George Kinnane, Senior Analyst and Project Manager with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, shared part two of a detailed presentation about changes to America’s health care system and their impact on businesses. Among the items Kinnane explained was that firms of 51 or more full-time employees (FTEs) would be impacted by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Businesses with many seasonal employees are not required to offer health insurance, but the employees are counted toward that threshold of 51 FTEs.

With the sweeping new laws taking effect, Kinnane noted that confusion is to be expected, because “many established principles of the health insurance industry are going away, or even being turned around” by health care reform. “It’s a whole new ball game,” he emphasized. For example, with a new, national pool of employees from which to draw premiums, discounts for low-risk professions, or penalties for high-risk professions, are not part of the AHA. Kinnane stressed that many details still are being worked out, and although the mandate to purchase health care applies to individuals for 2014, it does not apply to group coverage until 2015. He urged executives to have regular and candid communications with their insurance professionals, and to rely on the U.S. Department of Labor website at www.dol.gov and the federal health care website at www.healthcare.gov for full details and breaking news. Ì

October Eggs & Issues: Broadband Internet

A developing telecommunications company spawned from two existing companies presented an update on its services and growth at the October 3rd Eggs & Issues. Peninsula Fiber Network, LLC (PFN) is a full-service provider of wholesale transport and next-generation IP solutions. The Marquette-based company, a privately held firm owned by local independent telecom companies Hiawatha Communications Inc. and Baraga Telephone Company, operates nearly 2,500 miles of 100% fiber optic network throughout its market areas. PFN general manager David McCartney collaborated with Thom Sumbler from PFN’s sales and business development department on the informal presentation and Q&A session, held at the Magnuson Franklin Square Inn in Houghton.

“PFN is committed to the Upper Peninsula,” McCartney stated. “The whole area, not just a piece of it. We’re working toward a true smart-grid process.” PFN seeks to provide dedicated, reliable telecom services — Internet, network, and voice services, with dedicated support teams — to small businesses, whether they have steady needs or surges in their system demands. Health care (Portage Hospital, Marquette General) and “critical community facilities” such as libraries, police and emergency networks are areas where PFN has earned market share to date. For more information on Peninsula Fiber Network, contact Thom Sumbler at 906.387.6617 or www.pfnllc.net. Ì

November Eggs & Issues: Keweenaw Young Professionals

The Keweenaw Young Professionals presented their organization to Chamber members at the November 7th Eggs & Issues breakfast.

Keweenaw Young Professionals (KYP) steering committee members Jessica Brassard, Brian Donnelly, Jeff Bowen and Amlan Mukherjee spoke to the group about the mission and purpose of KYP.

“Our mission is to provide opportunities for local young professionals to connect and grow through community engagement,” said Donnelly.

The group discussed their monthly meet-ups at local businesses where area young professionals meet to socialize, network and engage in meaningful discussions about topics relevant to the community and the Keweenaw. Some past topics include the artists and “makers” community, city and business development, local food issues, and possibly bringing a farmer’s market to Houghton.

KYP is looking to expand and grow as they approach their one year anniversary as an active organization this March.

“Keweenaw Young Professionals is looking to engage the community and business owners in meaningful and productive dialogue, and encourage young professionals to not only stay in the area but also be active and involved,” explained Brassard.

For more information about Keweenaw Young Professionals, visit www.keweenawyp.com and on Facebook at facebook.com/KeweenawYP. Ì

KEWEENAW.ORG 17

Keweenaw Community Foundation has launched the Community Brick Project, supported by Rotary Club of Houghton and City of Houghton, to help address much-needed walkway improvements through Ray Kestner Waterfront Park in Houghton.

Personalized bricks of different sizes are available for purchase, to be placed in the 280-foot walkway. These commemorative bricks make an ideal gift for anyone

Keweenaw Community Foundation Launches Brick Project Fundraiser: Pave the Way. For Good. For Ever.

and are priced for just about everyone. The bricks are a wonderful way to honor accomplishments and other milestones in the lives of family and friends. When the walkway is completed, the engraved bricks will capture the charm of the area, located at the entrance of the park for everyone to see and enjoy.

Your participation in the Brick Project Fundraiser continues to support projects and people for today and tomorrow. Brick Order Forms are available at the Keweenaw Community Foundation office, 236 Quincy Street in Hancock, or at www.k-c-f.org. Call 906.482.9673 for more information. Ì

In April 2007, Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce began the KEWEENAW CA$H program in an effort to keep dollars in the Keweenaw. Now, over six years into the program, the Cash has become a very popular gift idea.

Simply purchase Keweenaw Cash certificates at the Chamber office in Houghton and use them at any participating member business, from Twin Lakes to Copper Harbor and everywhere in between. Certificates are available in any denomination from $1 to $100. Easy and convenient holiday gifts for everyone on

KEWEENAW CA$H: The Perfect Gift for Employees, Customers, Family and Friends

your list, Keweenaw Cash certificates are presented in a festive envelope with a list of participating businesses. Personalization is available for an additional charge.

Stop by the Chamber today or call 906.482.5240 to order your

Keweenaw Cash. We accept cash, checks, Visa and Mastercard. Ì

A local nonprofit organization, Don’t Do It Yourself (DDIY) has formed in the area, to serve Houghton and Keweenaw counties. The mission of DDIY is to assist people who suffer severe financial burdens due to medical hardships.

DDIY received charitable organization number MICS # 50163 from the State of Michigan, and its seven volunteer board members are ready to start raising funds. To

DDIY: New Local Nonprofit Organization to Assist Houghton and Keweenaw County Residents

contribute, send a check to 17477 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic Mine MI 49905, payable to DDIY.

To learn more about Don’t Do It Yourself, contact Kristina Coon, DDIY President, at 906.370.4922. Ì


Goodwill Community Cleaning & Grounds Crews

Service Done The Way You Want It Done!

Fully Insured

Very Reasonable Rates

Dependable

Daily / Weekly / Occasional Work

Please Call For More Information

906.482.6142

Goodwill IndustriesServing Upper Michigan & Northern Wisconsin

23390 Airpark BoulevardCalumet, MI 49913

Keweenaw Peninsula Events Calendar Your source for area Business Events and Community Events

Tuesday, December 3, 2013Keweenaw Trail Services Meeting6–7 pmConvention and Visitors Bureau in Calumet.

Thursday, December 5, 2013Eggs & issues: BioenergyForum – New Power Tour7:30–9 amShelden Grill at Magnuson Franklin Square Inn.

Friday, December 6, 2013Friday Coffee10 am–12 pmWeekly gathering at United Methodist Church in Hancock.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance Meeting7:30 am - 8:30 amFinnish American Heritage Center in Hancock.


Saturday, December 14, 2014Michigan Tech’s Mid-Year CommencementFamilies and friends of MTU fall 2013 grads will be in town to celebrate their accomplishments and wish them well.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting7:45 am–9:15 amAlternate locations.



KEWEENAW.ORG 19

Friday, January 3, 2014Friday Coffee10 am–12 pmWeekly gathering at United Methodist Church in Hancock.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014Keweenaw Trail Services Meeting6–7 pmConvention and Visitors Bureau in Calumet.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance Meeting7:30 am - 8:30 amFinnish American Heritage Center in Hancock.

Thursday, January 9, 2014Eggs & issues7:30–9 amShelden Grill at Magnuson Franklin Square Inn.


Wednesday, January 15, 2014Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting7:45 am–9:15 amAlternate locations.




Saturday, February 1, 2014Lake Gogebic Radar Run8 am–4 pmGogebic Lodge, N9600 Hwy M-46, Morenisco, MI

Tuesday, February 4, 2014Keweenaw Trail Services Meeting6–7 pmConvention and Visitors Bureau in Calumet.

Thursday, February 6, 2014Eggs & issues7:30–9 amShelden Grill at Magnuson Franklin Square Inn.

Friday, February 7, 2014Friday Coffee10 am–12 pmWeekly gathering at United Methodist Church in Hancock.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance Meeting7:30 am - 8:30 amFinnish American Heritage Center in Hancock.

Friday, February 14, 2014Friday Coffee10 am–12 pmWeekly gathering at United Methodist Church in Hancock.

Wednesday, February 19, 2014Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting7:45 am–9:15 amAlternate locations.

Interested In Getting Involved?

Participating in community events is a great way to network and create visibility for your company in the community.

For more information about any of these events, details are available on our calendar: www.keweenaw.org/business-calendar.

Let us know if you have an upcoming event you want included on our calendar or in our next newsletter!

We are looking for photos of people doing business in the Keweenaw, to use on our website and in our newsletters. If you have photos you’d like to share, send them to [email protected]. Please include who took the photo and the area it was taken in so we can give proper credit. Thanks!

Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce902 College Avenue, P.O. Box 336Houghton, MI 49931

p. 906.482.5240f. 906.482.5241e. [email protected]

www.keweenaw.org

www.facebook.com/Keweenaw.Chamber

Looking for a way to get your advertising message out to a fresh new crowd? The Chamber newsletter has a circulation of more than 200 local businesses. We can accept ad-ready copy or build an ad for you... just ask for details. Email advertising is also available and reaches 1,800 emails! Newsletter and email advertising gets proven results, so let us help you grow your business today!

The ad deadline for advertising is the 20th of the month prior to the date of the newsletter. For example, May 20th to be in the June newsletter. If you have questions, please give us a call!

Rate per issueFull page $1001/2 page $ 751/4 page $ 501/8 page $ 25Email campaign $ 25

It is the mission of the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce to:

SUPPORT: The Chamber supports businesses by providing information and referring inquiries to our partners like Keweenaw Economic Development Association, Small Business and Technology Development Center, MTEC SmartZone, Entrepreneur Support Center, Jutila Business Incubator or whichever organization is best to assist that business.

ATTRACT: The Chamber also provides information and referrals to people who want to visit or relocate here. If someone inquires about tourism, we send them directly to the Keweenaw Convention and Visitors Bureau. Whether someone is relocating a business or family here, we will continue to send them to the appropriate community resources that will meet their needs.

DEVELOP BUSINESS: The Chamber will continue to grow networking and visibility opportunities for small businesses. We will continue to provide ribbon cuttings, promotions, Eggs and Issues, golf outings, and a monthly newsletter.

| Visibility Opportunities:

902 College Avenue, P.O. Box 336 Houghton, MI 49931

p: 906.482.5240 f: 906.482.5241

e: [email protected]

Business HoursM, W, F: 9 am to 5:30 pm

T, Th: 9 am to 3 pm

www.keweenaw.org www.facebook.com/Keweenaw.Chamber

November 2013 Chamber Newsletter

Documents

business members

renewed members

newest members

sandra lewin agency

llcbob hager agency

sunny day of golf

marketing department

networking tipsmyhealth