River Country Chamber of Commerce of Newaygo County 2020-2021 Annual Report

GRIVIN
FO
D RWA
RD
RIVER COUNTRY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
OF NEWAYGO COUNTY

2020-2021 ANNUAL REPORT

rivercountrychamber.com | 231.652.3068 | [email protected]

TABLE OF DRIVING FORWARD

CONTENTS From the desk of our Board President

1 From the Desk of the President The Question is, where do we go from here?
2 Annual Dinner Meeting Highlights Our board has spent the better part of 2020 re-discovering “our
3 Happening in White Cloud why” or our vision. Asking the necessary questions so that we can
4 Happening in Croton create a new strategic plan that answers that question.
5 Happening in Grant
6 Happening in Newaygo After a year of uncertainty, the dust is settling, and we are jumping
7 2020-2021 Events Review into the drivers seat as we prepare to drive our vision forward. We
8 Balance Sheet believe now is the time to anticipate substantial recovery from the
9 Pre-Covid Comparisons challenges created by Covid19. We are eager to see the new and
10 Online Marketing exciting ways we can engage with our business owners and
11 Fast Chamber Facts communities.
12 Supporting Organizations
13 Chamber Collaboration Our vision provides innovative opportunities for Newaygo County
14 Tourism Council businesses, organizations, and communities to prosper through
15 Collaborative Organizations advocacy, access to leaders, economic development, connectivity,
16 Newaygo County Kids Day and business education.
17 At the Chamber Office **
18 Chamber Checks We know we cannot do this alone, we need your help. We need
19 The Outback your loyalty. And we need your belief in our Why. Together we can
20 Board of Directors & Executive Team move forward. Our focus in the coming year will include a clear
21 Chamber Staff emphasis on meaningful outreach and engagement with
22 Annual Dinner Meeting Table Sponsors members, partners, and municipalities across Newaygo County,
23 2020-2021 Chamber Members delivering clear value for all stakeholders.

Dale Richardson

ANNUAL MEETING FEATURING

Alex Gorsky Larry Yachik

Alex Gorsky is Larry Yachik served 3 years 9
Chairman of the Board months in United States Army

and Chief Executive Security Agency, (ASA)
Officer of Johnson & Military Intelligence with Top
Johnson, one of just
seven leaders who have Secret Clearance Crypto
served in the dual role access. (1968 – 1971)
since the company was Specialist E-5. Microbarograph
listed on the New York Specialist, 93G. He served 42
Stock Exchange in years as an Administrator in
Health Care. Currently, Larry is
1944. the General Manager for
Waters Edge Golf Course and
Lakes 23 Restaurant.

PANEL DISCUSSION Julie Burrell, The Right Place, Inc.
Discussion Moderator
We are excited to get perspectives from
each of you in regards to whats next, Julie Burrell is a 30 something married mom of 2 hailing from
Hesperia. Julie serves as Newaygo County’s Business
growing your business, moving forward,
how you evolve, when to make changes Development Manager with The Right Place, Inc. In this role,
she provides business support services to companies in
and how you make those decisions. Newaygo County, working to improve the overall economic
state of Newaygo County through business retention,
expansion, and attraction. Additionally, she focuses on

supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem in her community
through innovative programming and events.

Brent Baker Katie Devries Carmen Faulkner Kim Loniecki Merle Ross
Jerry's Towing Katie & Company River Stop Cafe Wesco Ross Accounting

Brent is currently the Katie, a Michigan native, is the Carmen Faulkner grew up in Kim has been with Wesco for Merle Ross has been practicing
Operations Manager at Jerry’s owner and artist of Out of the Croton, passed through 25 years and has had many as a CPA since 1978. He has
Barn LLC in Allendale and owner positions over that time, she had my own, RRG&G, PC,
Towing & Recovery, Inc. He Newaygo Public Schools, and became the Senior Director of practice for almost 40
graduated from Ferris State of the storefront, Katie & worked at her mom's business, Sales in 2017. Originally, Kim years.You can find his office
Company, in Newaygo. Katie The River Stop Café. Carmen is from Detroit but she has nestled in on Main Street in
University’s College of built her business starting with has multi-faceted business and lived all over Michigan, she Fremont, Michigan.
Business where he majored in craft shows in October 2018 life experience, having spent landed on the west side of the Small business and individual
Business Administration and and quickly moved on to home state in 1994. Kim attended tax planning are his niche.
& garden expos, festivals and significant time working in college at both Henry Ford and Merle graduated from Ferris
minored in Small Business hospitality, tourism, healthcare, Baker colleges, earning a
Entrepreneurship. He holds a wholesale. She was bold degree in science. Kim is also State University in 1975 with an
key role in the family business. enough to open a storefront in and more. Carmen has a small business owner herself, accountancy degree.
Brent is also a current Board the middle of a pandemic, Katie recently relocated back to owning an antique shop in
& Company, where she helps Newaygo and is transitioning
member of the Michigan into ownership as a second- Muskegon.
Towing Association & the support over 60 Michigan generation owner of the River
President of Move Over artisans and makers by selling
Stop Café.
Michigan, Inc. their work.

What's

HAPPENING IN

White Cloud

ALL THINGS EVENTS BUSINESS NEWS

We were thrilled to play a role in the planning of Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies came back and one of our first
White Cloud Christmas: A Hometown Holiday. It felt businesses to take advantage of this benefit was Millie's
Farm Market! Millie's is a locally sourced market featuring
great to be able to boost community moral in the locally grown beef and pork, hand dipped ice creams, and
midst of a pandemic. We kept the event safe by
other goods. Stop in and check them out.
making it a drive thru spectacle.
The Newaygo County Prevention of Child Abuse and
New this year is the Trail Town Summer Concert Neglect and The Open Arms Child Advocacy Center are
Series! Taking place now through September head to
forging into an unprecedented partnership. The
Rotary Park (formarly known as Raceway Park) on collaboration will give children and families in Newaygo,
the third Friday night of the month to enjoy live Osceola, Mecosta and Lake counties the resources they
music, food, and a great summer night out. need to stay safe, hold abusers accountable and make our
communities places we can be proud of. These agencies
PAGE 03 will provide a safe, inviting facility within a newly renovated
facility, that will be called the Child Advocacy Center for

Hope and Healing. For more information visit
newaygocountyprevention.com.

What's

HAPPENING IN

Croton

ALL THINGS EVENTS BUSINESS NEWS

This year Croton was home to the following events: Did you know that Croton Bay Trading Post is serving
Colors of Christmas, Croton Causeway Business hand dipped ice cream? You can enjoy a scoop, or
Bash, and Freedom Fest on the Causeway. two, right on their back porch while watching the
boats buzz by on the water.
Colors of Christmas was recognized by Grand
Rapids Kids as one of Michigan's 10 Best Drive The 2020 Honorary Christmas Walk Chairperson was
Elliott Vanderlaan, Owner of Gene's Family Market.
Through Christmas Lights for 2020. This award is given to someone that embodies the
true spirit of Christmas all year long. Whether it is
After a year without Freedom Fest on the Causeway through community service or overall morale, we
we were eager to see this classic event make a know we can always count on Elliott.

come back! It was a great turnout, we served more
than 1500 drinks at the beer tent! We are already

looking forward to 2022.

PAGE 04

What's

HAPPENING IN

Grant

ALL THINGS EVENTS BUSINESS NEWS

Last year we celebrated Harvest Moon Festival During the pandemic lock down we still gained new
with the most beautiful weather. We were able to members! In the heart of COVID Release Resistance
Social Club joined the chamber. This unique glamping
host the entire event outdoors and socially experience is just what the doc ordered, we promise!
distanced due to COVID.
Watch a firefly light show, relax in a Yurt, fish in the
This year we are looking forward to hosting the pond - or if reading is more your style, enjoy a book on
Harvest Moon Festival on Saturday September the swing near the water. Find more information about
18, 2021. Activities returning this year include:
Release Resistance on our website today!
Soap Box Derby, Boss of the Toss Cornhole
Tournament, BBQ Cookoff, Chili Cookoff, Pie
Baking Contest, Dunk Tank, Kids Activities and
more! Registration for all activities but can be

found on the chamber website.

PAGE 05

What's

HAPPENING IN

Newaygo

ALL THINGS EVENTS BUSINESS NEWS

Christmas season in Downtown Newaygo looked different North Woods General Store and Velocity took
last year. We enjoyed being able to make the best of the advantage of the down time that took place during the
situation by making our Annual Christmas Walk a virtual pandemic. They gave a full face lift to their store front!
event! Partnering with the PSD, businesses stayed open late They also had a mural painted honoring all of Newaygo
painted along their alleyway. Stop by and check it out!
each Friday night, we still awarded the Honorary
Chairperson, and decorated the Christmas tree with The Newaygo Bed and Breakfast is under new
ownership! Susan Grey has taken over the reins in
ornaments local students made. stride as she has done many updates and renovations.

We were thrilled when this years Annual Memorial Weekend Book a stay-cation and enjoy their patio!
Festival was busier than normal! Great vendors, delicious
food, and almost perfect weather (even if day one was only Keeping the theme of renovations and updates, The
38 degrees to start) we couldn't have asked for more. New Museum is currently undergoing a $1.7M renovation!
this year we added Music to the Main Stage, and it was a This project includes a larger building with more space
hit! Going by the name "Herding Cats" Scott Faulkner was for exhibits, meeting areas, more storage, office space,
accompanied by his daughter, Carmen, and they knocked it
out of the park! Can't wait to keep the tradition growing. updated technology and infrastructure, and more!

PAGE 06

2020-2021 EVENTS

The year there were minimal events...
The first 6 months of our fiscal year we were only able to host
virtual events. This means our Annual Season of Hope Charity
Auction, Christmas Walk, St. Nick Kick, and Home, Health and
Garden Show were all virtual. Loosing nearly $24k in event
income, we refuse to loose hope.

In Person Events Make a Comeback!
In March we started a new tradition with a St. Patrick's Day
themed Bar, Restaurant, and Business Crawl! Keeping up with the
state executive orders we found a way to make it happen. With 14
participating businesses and 133 community members, we were
graced with beautiful weather for memories to be made. We look
forward to seeing this tradition grow. Since March 2021 we've had
the following events:

Annual Chamber Golf Outing
Annual Memorial Day Arts and Crafts Festival
Newaygo County Kids Day
Trail Town Summer Celebration
Freedom Fest on the Causeway

Events Coming Up:
Mark your calendars, we have the following events coming up
before the end of our fiscal year. Registration and sponsorship
opportunities are live now on the chamber website.

Trail Town Summer Concert Series - July 16, August 20, and
September 17
FORE! Fun Fall Golf Outing - August 19
Annual Logging Festival - September 3-5
Annual Harvest Moon Festival - September 18

Did You Know...

As a Chamber Member you are eligible for a Ribbon
Cutting Ceremony?! Ribbon Cuttings don't have to be just

for Grand Openings. They can be for anniversaries,
celebrations, or re-openings (say you just did renovations

or you moved to a new location)! Are you in need of a
Ribbon Cutting ceremony? If so, Let's Talk!

OCTOBER 2020- CURRENT
BALANCE SHEET

A COVID YEAR

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 our financial statement looks a little different
than usual. We had to cancel nearly all of our annual in person events that together
raise nearly $84,000. These funds help to cover the costs of running and operating
the River Country Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to not having the opportunity to host our annual events, many of our
members faced financial hardships as well. With this we saw members place their
memberships on hold while they continued to tread water.

RIVER COUNTRY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

October 1, 2019-September 30, 2020 Balance Sheet

ASSETS LIABILITIES

Current assets Current liabilities

Bank Accounts Accounts Payable (A/P) 0.00
IBC Chamber Cash 500.00 Total Accounts Payable $0.00
Kids Day 2,645.54
RC3 COB 71006606 34,174.58
RC3 COB PPP Funds 1000191799 9,927.00 Other Current Liabilities

RC3 Farmers Market-IBC 1,446.63 FICA/Fed WH 1,018.54

Total Bank Accounts $48,693.75 Other Current Liabilities 1,363.98

Accounts Receivable State WH 448.42

Accounts Receivable -25.00 Unemployment Tax Payable 0.00

Accounts Receivable (A/R) -410.00 Total Other Current Liabilities $2,830.94

Total Accounts Receivable -$435.00 Total Current Liabilities $2,830.94

Other Current Assets 0.00 Long-Term Liabilities
Employee Cash Advances PPP Loan Payable
Inventory Asset 0.00 9,927.00
Non- posting undeposited funds 435.00 Total Long-Term Liabilities $9,927.00
Payroll Clearing 0.00 Total Liabilities $12,757.94

Petty Cash 440.00
Prepaid Expenses 0.00
Undeposited Funds 20.00 Equity
Opening Balance Equity 1,566.64
Total Other Assets $800.00 Retained Earnings 14,623.16
Net Income 20,206.01

Total Current Assets $49,153.75 Total Equity $36,395.81

Total Assets $49,153.75 Total Equity and Liabilities $49,153.75

PAGE 08

PRE-COVID COMPARISONS

Membership Revenue Dollars

Membership Revenue Dollars is the total
number of dollars our members have paid
in. This includes all tiers of membership:

Platinum, Gold, Silver, Basic, and
Supporting.

October 2019-September 2020: $60,611.58
October 2020-Current: $43,478

Total Number of Members

286 226

Event Revenue Dollars

Event Revenue is made up of all event
registrations, raffles, sponsorships, activity
participation fees, and any additional profit

possibilities within an event.
October 2019-September 2020: $18,383 (net)

October 2020-Current: $19,700 (net)

WEBSITE GROWTH

We had 37,086 Users on our Other
website from June 1, 2020 - 1.7%

June 30, 2021 Social
33.9%
Organic
44.9%

Our Website had 82,841 User Acquisition Direct
Number of visitors from Breakdown 19.5%
June 1, 2020-June 30, 2021
How Users Land
on Our Page

SOCIAL MEDIA GROWTH

Facebook Page Reach: Up 11.1% Overall Total Post "Likes" this year:

The 2019/2020 year saw the largest spike of the year at the start Facebook: 10,165
of the pandemic with a reach of 13,200 people. During the Instagram: 823
2020/2021 year our Facebook page reach has grown
exponentially, we are now at monthly page reach around 30,000.

15,000

10,000

5,000 Our Social Network has
grown by 958 Followers

so far this year!

0 Sept. Dec. March May June
June

PAGE 10

FAST CHAMBER FACTS

Five Years Ago Current Year to Date

286 226

TOTAL NUMBER OF MEMBERS TOTAL NUMBER OF MEMBERS YEAR TO DATE

87% 80%

MEMBERSHIP RETENTION MEMBERSHIP RETENTION YEAR TO DATE

22 17

NEW MEMBERS OCTOBER 2017-SEPTEMBER 2018 NEW MEMBERS SINCE JUNE 2020

$73,205 $22,530

SPONSORSHIP DOLLARS SPONSORSHIP DOLLARS YEAR TO DATE

PAGE 11

SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS

As an added bonus to your membership, the chamber supports organizations on your behalf. Why you may ask? So
that you can have the benefits of course! These organizations all offer something unique and beneficial while
providing a variety of resources. Whether it may be professional development, business practices, or marketing
initiatives we'ev got you covered. As a chamber member you have access to the following organizations for free or a
discounted rate.

MI-SBDC SCORE

The Business Resource Centers (BRCs) in Michigan are provided to SCORE mentoring is a free service offered to any citizen or
you by the Small Business Development Center (MI-SBDC) and local permanent resident that owns or wants to start a business.
community partners. The locations include Michigan Works offices, Partnering with you one-on-one, SCORE mentor Martha
libraries, SBDC host locations, and universities. The BRCs offer you a Gabrielse, will support your success through offering
wide variety of resources for your business, including: experienced advice, consulting on best practices, and educating
on small business topics.
One-stop locations where current and future small business
owners can receive business assistance and advice SCORE provides confidential business advice through a
The latest computer technology, hardware, and software and an network of 10,000 volunteer business experts.
extensive small business reference library of hard copy books and Since SCORE is a nonprofit resource partner of the U.S.
publications Small Business Administration (SBA), our mentoring
Software for a variety of business applications, addressing diverse services are free, regardless of the number of times you
business needs visit a mentor.
Large library of business courses and workshops availabl You can meet with one or several mentors via email, video,
Local counselors on site in Newaygo County provide confidential, phone or online chat.
free assistance. Our mentors are experienced in all aspects and stages of
You can contact our local SBDC representative Marie Elliott at (989) business development, whether you’re thinking of starting a
506-7036 or via email at [email protected]. business or growing your existing company.

THE RIGHT PLACE

The Right Place, INC. is your single source for business success in Newaygo County. They are a private, non-profit economic

development organization that provides you with the connections and resources to grow your business.

BUSINESS RETENTION, MANUFACTURING ASSISTANCE SERVICES: HELLO WEST MICHIGAN:
EXPANSION, AND ATTRACTION: Business Assesetment Tools Talent Attraction and Retention Services
Business Support Resources Growth and Innovation Weekly Resume Pack
State & Local Incentives Continuous Improvement (LEAN) Solutions Employer Internship Training Sessions
Confidential Site Location Searches Quality and Food Safety Management Michigan Made Miers
Local Supply Chain & Partner Opportunities Environmental, Health, & Safety Solutions RETHINK West Michigan
West Michigan Business Research West Michigan Intern Connect
International Business Development Regional Website with 1000+ Quality of
Life Resources

To learn more and access these programs please contact Julie Burrell, Business Development Coordinator for Newaygo County,
at [email protected] or 231.335.1985

PAGE 12

CHAMBER COLLABORATIVE

The Chamber Collaborative is funded by the Fremont
Area Community Foundation. Made up of Fremont Area
Chamber of Commerce, Hesperia Area Chamber of
Commerce, and River Country Chamber of Commerce.

The group collaborates on marketing initiatives, event
experiences, and exposing our memberships to a larger
audience.
Total Marketing Dollars Invested $25,000
Social Media Network Exposure 4.3K+

State Wide & Beyond Exposure
through television commercials, print

advertisements, and giveaways.

2020-2021 COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS

Shop + Eat Map
Arts + Culture Map
White River Map
Community Post Cards
Tourism Welcome Bags

NEWAYGO COUNTY

TOURISM COUNCIL

NEWAYGO COUNTY TOURISM COUNCIL VISION
Promoting our premier outdoor destination, Newaygo County Tourism
Council will strengthen the regional economy by capitalizing on our
affordable and nearby recreational assets. This will be accomplished
through assets marketing and the engagement of the tourism community in
the importance of delivering the Pure Michigan promise.

VISION ELEMENTS
Integrated Marketing & Communications
Engaged Leadership
Strong Stakeholder Relationships
Allocated Resources to Support Collaboration
Infrastructure Development
Events That Drive Economic Activity
Metrics & Milestones

2020-2021 COLLABORATIVE PROJECTS
Go County Exploring Challenge
Winter, Spring, Summer Top 10 Activities
Newaygo County Go Exploring Magazine (Partnered with Hi-Lites)
Seasonal Giveaways
Social Media Campaigns with a Targeted Audience

Tourism Dollars in Newaygo County

$144.08 Million in $39.22 Million Spent $22.22 Million Spent
Tourism in Newaygo County on Food and Beverage in Retail

(Up 3%) from 2018

*Numbers reported from MEDC: Annual Tourism Spend Report*

PAGE 14

COLLABORATIVE
ORGANIZATIONS

We love working to grow and sustain our local communities! Through this We
collaborate with local non-profits to offer an extended network and a helping
hand. These are not organizations that we assist financially like our Supporting
Organizations, we offer our Collaborative Organizations non-monetary support
while still being able to promote our member businesses.

NEWAYGO FARMERS MARKET

The Newaygo Farmers Market is back again! With the most successful year to date. There
are a total of 17 vendors that return at least once throughout the season, last year there
were less than 10 that made multiple trips to our Farmers Market. Taking place each Friday
in the summer from 2pm until 6pm at Brooks Park in Downtown Newaygo.

NEWAYGO COUNTY
AGING WELL NETWORK

AgingWell is made up of organizations with an interest in issues affecting older
adults (60+) in Newaygo County.

NEWAYGO COUNTY

KIDS DAY

The Newaygo County Kids’ Day Collaborative is
made of county wide partners whose mission is to
provide a safe environment for children and their
families to interact with public safety officers in a
non-threatening manner.

There are several activities hosted by community
organizations including, RC car races, donut &
cookie decorating, inflatable slide, plinko, duck
pond, 4H petting zoo & much more!

Kids can meet with state, local and county police
officers, firefighters, ambulance personnel, and
community business and churches. This gives
them an opportunity to talk with them, ask
questions about their jobs along with seeing their
vehicles up close.

There is also a Child Seat Safety Check, where
certified technicians will check child safety seats
for proper installation, proper fit for the child and
also have the seat checked for other safety
issues.

Along with game prizes, over 75 new bike helmets
were handed out to smiling faces. Two lucky
winners received a complete bedroom set thanks
to Sui Generis Home Furniture.

About 300 kids attended this event in its 21st year
and remains free to all who attend thanks to our
generous sponsors, volunteers, and community
members!

AT THE CHAMBER OFFICE

While the last year was slow for our events, our team stayed busy behind the scenes. Updating policies and
procedures, updating bylaws, adding new member benefits, creating many social media posts promoting open
businesses, and more! We spent many hours meeting over zoom learning more about loans and grants
available for small businesses in our community, brainstorming with businesses on how to assist keeping
them afloat, and keeping in touch with the overall well being of our board members. Let's take a dive into
some of the new things at the office...

Small Business Month:
Starting at the end of November and moving through the end of December we ran
our "Shop Local, Save Local All Season Long" campaign. We did three things to
push our local consumers to shop local during the holiday season.

1. Shop Local - Receipt Drawing: Anytime a consumer shopped at one of our
retail businesses during the designated time they were given the option to
submit a copy of their receipt to win chamber checks! Three winners were
chosen, and $600 was awarded between the three! The Chamber Checks were
donated by Newaygo Family Dental

2. Save Local - Punch Cards: Punch Cards were available at each member
restaurant, each time a consumer shopped at one they were given a punch on
the card. One winner won a large gift basket valued over $300.

3. Spend Local - Wallet Full of Gift Cards Giveaway: We wanted to be inclusive of
customers that weren't able to make it out. Consumers had to leave a review
on any member business's Facebook page and tag the chamber in the
comments. Super simple! The winner received a bundle of gift cards for local
businesses valuing near $500!

Bylaw Changes and Our Board Grows!
Our Bylaws have been updated! Through this process we have
added a Fifth District! Our Current Districts are:

Croton-Hardy and surrounding area
Grant and surrounding area
Newaygo and surrounding area
White Cloud and surrounding area
Remaining Surrounding Areas (including but not limited to
Fremont, Hesperia, Bridgeton, Bitely, etc.)
This change affects the number of board seats we have. Each
district may have three board seat representatives, this raises
our number of seats from 12 to 15!

Our Team Has Grown! New Member Benefits
A huge thank you is in order to the Adema Family We've added the following member benefits that are eliglible for
who made it possible to expand our team this year our members and their entire staff!
with the addition of our Director of Events position.
Kamille Massey joined us a full time member of our RX Prescription Discounts
team in November. She hit the ground running and Delta Dental Illinois Program
has been an excellent addition to the chamber. Discounted Advertising with WZZM and Tourism Council
through our Member to Member benefits.

CHAMBER CHECKS

A long project in the making, our Chamber Checks were launched in December of 2020. In a world of
unknown, we knew that we needed to stimulate our local economy and continue to promote our businesses
growth. Through that our River Country Chamber Checks were born! Gift cards that were designed to be able
to be spent like cash at any of our member businesses.

The process is simple: Checks are purchased through the River Country Chamber of Commerce, the
consumer can then spend a check at one of our member businesses just like cash, the business then
accepts the check and deposit the check when they make their daily bank run! Chamber checks are available
to be purchased through the chamber on any given day, and can be used by the consumer or gifted to
another person. Our River Country Chamber Checks make it possible to Shop Local, Save Local, All Year
Long. These checks can be purchased at any time through the chamber office. If you or your business would
like to donate funds towards this initiative please contact the chamber.

This year Consumers Energy gave a generous donation of matching
funds through their Our Town gift certificate program that was
designed to give an extra boost during holiday season! Their donation
to the River Country Chamber of Commerce started out as $3,500
that we were able to match dollar for dollar for each Chamber Check
that was purchased.

When we were down to our final $100 (of available matching funds)
Consumers Energy called and donated $3,000 more! We sold $6,500
worth of River Country Chamber Checks with the addition of the Our
Town matching funds that was a total of $13,000.00 generated back
into our community during the holiday season.

PAGE 18

THE OUTBACK

The Outback is going to be Newaygo Countys first social district! This is huge news for not only the City of Newaygo but for the
entire county! The closest Social District is more than 40 miles away, and many of our community members are traveling to
check it out. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this space has on our county through increased foot traffic for our
businesses and the need for more jobs for our community members.

If you're wondering "This sounds great but what is a Social District?" Here is how the State of Michigan defines a Social District:
The term commons area is defined by MCL 436.1551(8)(a) as "...an area within a Social District clearly designated and
clearly marked by the governing body the local governmental unit that is shared by and contiguous to the premises of at
least 2 other qualified licensees. Commons area does not include the licensed premises of any qualfied licensee." This
means the commons area must have at least two qualified licensees whose licensed premises are contiguous to the
commons area to qualify to be established as a commons area. The actual physical licensed premises of the licensees,
including any approved outdoor service areas, are not considered part of the commons area.

Your next question is probably "who is going to pay for this?". We are extremely excited to share that the chamber has been
awarded $92,265 through the Rural Development Business Grant (RDBG) that will fund this project! The RDBG programs provide
funding to rural projects through local utility organizations for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas. We
applied for the grant in April, and found out at the very end of June that we were one of the winners!

So, "This is exciting news! What happens now?". Next steps include getting renderings drawn up with an architect, meeting with
Newaygo City Council and Principal Shopping District, moving forward with contractors to get the necessary items needed and
set up, and ideally being open in the fall! There are other things on the to-do list but thats the general list. We are very excited
and look forward to seeing this finally be able to come to life. If you have other questions feel free to reach out to the chamber
staff at any time!

Where will this be?

On the raised surfaces behind the businesses on
the east side of M37 in Downtown Newaygo.
Please see map for reference.

How does this work?

The participating restaurants within the common
area can sell alcoholic drinks to-go in matching
cups to be consumed in the commons areas.

Outdoor alcoholic beverages are
strictly prohibited

Will this be family friendly?

Absolutely! It will be like going out to a restaurant,
except you get to enjoy your all of your favorite

restaurants at one table. There will be rules to the
area and they will be strictly enforced.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dale Richardson Scott Swinehart Ryan Dornbos
President, Croton-Hardy Representative Past President, Newaygo Representative Newaygo Representative
Jerry's Towing and Recovery Edward Jones Newaygo Police Department

Scott Faulkner Lisa Lightfoot Erik Harvey
Vice President, Croton-Hardy Croton-Hardy Representative Newaygo Representative
Representative Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors Resonate Church
Muskegon River Watershed Assembly
Mandi Purcey Chad Gibbe Dan Abid
Treasurer, Grant Representative Grant Representative White Cloud Representative
WESCO White Insurance Agency White Cloud Tobacco Shop

Vicki Friar Tara Nelson Ryan Coffey Hoag
Secretary, White Cloud Representative Grant Representative White Cloud Representative
Friar Investments Newaygo County Prevention of Child Michigan State University
Abuse and Neglect

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Back row from left to right: Dale Richardson - President, Scott Faulkner - Vice
President. Front row from left to right: Vicki Friar - Secretary, Mandi Purcey -
Treasurer, Colleen Lynema - Executive Director

PAGE 20

MEET OUR TEAM

Colleen Lynema

Executive Director

Colleen started her journey with the chamber 10 years ago. What started originally
as four separate chambers, Colleen has used her expertise to grow and cultivate
the chamber we know and love today. Colleen has taken the role of Executive
Director in stride, focusing on growing and maintaining our membership (and all
of the benefits that entails!

Kamille Massey

Director of Events

Kamille came to the chamber in November in the midst of the COVID-19
pandemic. With a marketing and events mind Kamille has challenged our
members (and our board) to think outside of the box, paying homage to traditions
and pushing Newaygo County into the future there's no telling what she will do
next!

Rachael Porter

Administrative Assistant

Rachael has been a driving force at the chamber for nearly two years now.
Rachael came to the chamber with many connections to the community through
her volunteerism. You may of seen her at White Cloud's Hometown Holiday or
Newaygo County Kids Day where she has played a crucial part of the planning
team. Rachael manages our day to day and keeps the chamber (and The Stream)
in line!

Lauren Comstock

2021 Summer Event Intern

Lauren is a Newaygo County Native! She graduated high school from Grant where
she made her way to Central Michigan University. She will be spending almost 18
weeks with the chamber learning about events and activities in a rural community.
When not working Lauren enjoys reading, boating, and hanging out with her dog!

THANK YOU 2020-2021 MEMBERS

PLATINUM PARTNERS: BASIC PARTNERS (CONTINUED): BASIC PARTNERS (CONTINUED):
CITY OF NEWAYGO
THE STREAM BEST HOMES TITLE AGENCY TIRE WHOLESALER PLUS, LLC-GRANT
FREMONT AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
INDEPENDENT BANK - NEWAYGO BIG PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP PARKS OXBOW AND BIG BEND TRACTOR SUPPLY CO.
INDEPENDENT BANK - WHITE CLOUD
SPECTRUM HEALTH GERBER MEMORIAL BUILDERS FIRST SOURCE TRANSITIONAL HEALTH SERVICES OF FREMONT
SPECTRUM HEALTH GERBER MEMORIAL - GRANT CASAIR INC. TWO HOT TAMALES
SPECTRUM HEALTH GERBER MEMORIAL - PINE MEDICAL OFFICE CBD STORE OF MICHIGAN TYLER SALES CO., INC.
TAMARAC, A MEMBER OF SPECTRUM HEALTH CHAMPION HOME EXTERIORS VAN SINGEL FARMS PRODUCE MARKETING LLC
THE SPA A MEMBER OF SPECTRUM HEALTH COLDWELL BANKER SCHMIDT REALTORS - NEWAYGO OFFICE VEURINK'S RV CENTER
CONSUMERS ENERGY VITAL SIGNS & GRAPHICS
GOLD PARTNERS: CRONK ACE HARDWARE & LUMBER CENTER WHITE & ASSOCIATES INSURANCE
CHOICEONE BANK-NEWAYGO CROTON BAY TRADING POST WILBUR-ELLIS COMPANY
CHOICEONE BANK-GRANT DAN'S EXCAVATING SERVICE WISNER RENTS CANOES
GERBER FEDERAL CREDIT UNION - NEWAYGO DETERS HEATING & COOLING CO WOLFF BUILDERS, LLC
GERBER FEDERAL CREDIT UNION-FREMONT DILL TAX & ACCOUNTING
MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC. WOODY'S BAR
WESCO #40 DOWNTOWN THREADZ, LLC
WESCO #22
WESCO #44 EAGLES LANDING RESORT WZZM 13
WESCO INC
SUBWAY #156 ELT, LLC ZENBUSINESS

SILVER PARTNERS: ESCAPE SALON
37 NORTH LLC
ACTIVE TRAINING CONSULTANTS LLC FAMILY HEALTH CARE SUPPORTING PARTNERS:
ANDERSON'S SILK SCREENING
RIVER COUNTRY LODGE FORGE INDUSTRIAL STAFFING ASHLAND TOWNSHIP
BUCHER HYDRAULICS, INC. FUSION SALON BELLWETHER HARBOR
CITY OF GRANT GERALD E VAN WIEREN, M.D. BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU OF WESTERN MI
CROTON TOWNSHIP CAMPGROUND GREAT LAKES ENERGY COOPERATIVE BROOKS TOWNSHIP
CROTON TOWNSHIP HESS LAKE MOBILE HOME PARK CAMP HENRY
DRIFTWOOD BAR & GRILL HGA SUPPORT SERVICES CHRISTIAN HEALTHCARE CENTERS
SHAMROCK PUB & GRILL HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES CEDAR SPRINGS CITY OF WHITE CLOUD
EDWARD JONES INVESTMENTS - SCOTT SWINEHART HOMETOWN PHARMACY CROTON TOWNSHIP LIBRARY
EDWARD JONES INVESTMENTS - TRAVIS BULL, AAMS HONEYCUTT HOLDINGS (PINE LAKE VILLAGE APARTMENTS, NEWAYGO) DOGWOOD CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
FRIAR INVESTMENT PROPERTIES, LLC HOWARTH EXCAVATING FIVECAP, INC.
GENE'S FAMILY MARKET - GRANT JERKIES JERKY FACTORY
GENE'S FAMILY MARKET - CROTON GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF WEST MICHIGAN, INC
GREAT LAKES SIGNATURE PROPERTIES, LLC JERRY'S TOWING & RECOVERY, INC.
H&S COMPANIES P.C.
HARRINGTON INN JOHN PAYNE INTERNATIONAL GRANT CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
HI-LITES GRAPHICS & SHOPPERS GUIDE
HOUSEMAN'S FOODS - WHITE CLOUD KATIE & COMPANY HOPE 101 MINISTRY, INC.
HOUSEMAN'S FOODS - BALDWIN
MELLEMA NURSERY KAUFFMAN CONSTRUCTION INC. INSIGHT PREGNANCY SERVICES
MURRAY LUMBER & SUPPLY INC.
NEWAYGO COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS KMG PRESTIGE JON BUMSTEAD, SENATOR
NEWAYGO COUNTY COMMISSION ON AGING
NEWAYGO COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION LAKE & LAND REALTY, LLC LOVE INC - NEWAYGO COUNTY
NEWAYGO FAMILY DENTAL CARE LEPPINK'S FOOD CENTERS MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF REGULAR BAPTIST CHURCHES
NORTHERN PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICES LIGHTHOUSE TITLE GROUP MICHIGAN SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
NORTHWOODS GREENSCAPES LLC LITTLE CHAMPS CHILD CARE CENTER MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION, NEWAYGO COUNTY
OVERBUILT CONSTRUCTION LLC LOG CARPENTER, INC. MUSKEGON RIVER WATERSHED ASSEMBLY
OAKRIDGE MOTEL MARKET 41 NEWAYGO AREA DISTRICT LIBRARY
RENT SMART LLC - GRANT MASSMUTUAL GREAT LAKES ~ ED FEDELL, RHU, CLU, CHFC, CASL, LIC NEWAYGO CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER CROTON
RENT SMART - SPARTA MICHIGAN AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES, INC NEWAYGO COUNTY CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
RESONATE CHURCH MICHIGAN MERCHANT SERVICES COCARD NEWAYGO COUNTY COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS - NCCA-ARTSPLACE
RIVER STOP CAFE LLC MICHIGAN WORKS! WEST CENTRAL NEWAYGO COUNTY MUSEUM AND HERITAGE CENTER
SALLY'S WHATTA PIZZA MIDWEST ENERGY & COMMUNICATIONS (MEC)
WHITE CLOUD TOBACCO NEWAYGO COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY
SANDMOLD SYSTEMS INC. MIKE SAUM STATE FARM INSURANCE
SCHINDY'S AT DIAMOND LAKE
SHANEANN'S EARLY LEARNING CENTER LLC MILLIE'S FARMS LLC NEWAYGO NATIONALS ASSOCIATION
SHANEANN'S EARLY LEARNING CENTER LLC - HESPERIA
SPECIAL TEE'S & GRAPHICS MOE'S HARDWARE NEWAYGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
M37 ADVENTURE
SUI GENERIS HOME FURNITURE LLC MY BUDDY'S CAR WASH & PICNIC TRAILER RENTAL RANDYS HOUSE
THE SOUTHWICK INSURANCE GROUP THE MICHIGAN MEDICARE PROS
THE SWINEHART AGENCY NELSON'S FARM MARKET REPRESENTATIVE SCOTT VANSINGEL
THE WILDLIFE CENTER AT LEGENDS RANCH
TRAILSIDE MOTEL NEW YORK LIFE ST. MARK'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
TRUENORTH COMMUNITY SERVICES NEWAYGO AUTO MALL STAND UP MICHIGAN
CAMP NEWAYGO NEWAYGO BED AND BREAKFAST THE HOPE PROJECT INC
UCCI, LLC NEWAYGO BREWING COMPANY THE RIGHT PLACE, INC
WATERS EDGE GOLF COURSE NEWAYGO COUNTY PREVENTION OF CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT TRINITY FELLOWSHIP EFC
LAKES 23 RESTAURANT & PUB NEWAYGO COUNTY RESA UNITED WAY OF THE LAKESHORE
WHITE CLOUD PHYSICAL THERAPY & REHABILITATION NEWAYGO CUSTOM GIFTS & APPAREL WEST CENTRAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS
RIVER VALLEY PHYSICAL THERAPY NEWAYGO INSURANCE AGENCY WHITE CLOUD ROTARY
NEWAYGO NUTRITION WOMEN'S INFORMATION SERVICE, INC.
BASIC PARTNERS: NEWAYGO PLUMBING, HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SERVICES
ALL WEATHER SEAL - WEST
AMERICAN ANCHOR, INC NEWAYGO VETERINARY SERVICES P.C. CHAMBER CHAMPIONS:
ANDERSON'S HOME WORK
ANIMAL WELLNESS CENTER OF WHITE CLOUD NIEBOER ELECTRIC INC
ARBOR CIRCLE
ARMSTRONG DISPLAY CONCEPTS, INC. NORTH WOODS GENERAL STORE PAUL JENSEN
BARTONS CUTTING EDGE LLC
BEAVER TREE SERVICE, LLC NORTHERN TRAILS BAR & GRILL TERRY SCHUT
BENEFIT INNOVATIONS, LLC
OLD IRON BAR & GRILL

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES INC

PARSLEY'S SPORT SHOP

PILGRIM'S RUN

PLATZ ELECTRIC COMPANY LLC We appreciate you
PRESS'S LLC
RANDY POLL - GREENRIDGE REALTY

RE/MAX RIVER VALLEY

RELEASE RESISTANCE SOCIAL CLUB LLC

RIVER STOP SALOON LLC and we are Thankful
RIVER VALLEY SHOPPER
ROSENBERG TRUE VALUE HARDWARE

RRG&G, PC - ROSS ACCOUNTING

SABLE HOMES

SCHULTZ SEPTIC & PORTABLE TOILETS for your support!

SCORE MUSKEGON
SHAKE IT UP BBQ

SHARLA A. SCHIPPER - STATE FARM AGENT

SPORTSMAN'S BAR

SQUARE ONE COUNSELING & PLANNING LLC

SUNLIGHT COUNSELING

SWIFT DOOR, LLC

THE BROOK RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES #MyNewaygoCounty
THE DEPOT RESTAURANT

THIRD COAST CREATIVE

TIMES-INDICATOR

"If you want to change the
culture you will have to
start by changing the
organization"

- Mary Douglas