Business Success Stories - Boyne City, Michigan

Boyne City: Small-town growth with character

2011-10-17T12:53:00.000-07:00

There’s a lot going on in Boyne City. The city’s population surged by more than 6 percent in the last decade, new businesses are open, a factory is under construction and the list of community events never ends. Some say Boyne City is the “jewel of Charlevoix County,” but it’s irrefutable that the town bucked economic trends in recent years and found its niche as a popular place to visit, live or retire. Boyne City’s population increased by 6.6 percent since the 2000 turn-of-the-century census and now stands at 3,735 residents, more than 14 percent of the county’s total population. That bucked trends across the county and region, where population loss dominated. “I think we’re beating most of the trends out there,” said Michael Cain, city manager. Cain attributes the city’s success to community planning efforts. Boyne City keeps an active and award-winning Main Street program to benefit its downtown region, high-speed broadband Internet cables will soon run through town and persistent infrastructure upgrades all combine to poise Boyne City for continued growth, Cain said. “We’re trying to make sure we have a year-round economy that has year-round success,” he said. Full story from Petoskey News-Review.

Boyne City downtown seeks spot on National Register of Historic Places

2011-10-05T10:03:00.000-07:00

Commissioners in Boyne City unanimously agreed to seek recognition for a portion of downtown to be listed as a district on the National Register of Historic Places. The general study area is South Lake Street to Main Street, Water Street from Lake Street to the Dilworth Hotel, the 100-block of South Park Street and a portion of Main Street between Lake and Park streets. If approved, the proposed district would be listed among the cultural resources across the nation that are most worthy of preservation. Full story from Petoskey News-Review.

Bay Winds Credit Union breaks ground for Boyne City office

2011-09-28T19:23:00.000-07:00

David Leusink, president/CEO of Bay Winds Federal Credit Union has announced that construction on its new Boyne City branch is underway at 308 N. Lake St. Company officials said It will “help lead the way in the revitalization of the NoBo (North Boyne) business district.” The branch will feature dialog stations, a state-of-the-art customer service concept. Construction is being facilitated through local contractors and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2012 at a cost of $1.4 million. At 9,000 transactions a month Bay Winds has outgrown its current facility in the Glen’s Plaza. Dialog banking will provide an ideal mix of technological efficiency in an environment of that fosters dynamic customer service. “We feel it optimizes the best of hi-tech and hi-touch,” said Leusink. The traditional teller line is being replaced with dialog stations thereby creating a side-by-side service environment that is more flexible, functional and consumer friendly. Attending a ground-breaking ceremony on Sept. 16 were CEO David Leusink, city officials, credit union board members and members of Team Boyne, the Main Street economic restructuring committee. Bay Winds website.

Hand-crafted skis now being made in Boyne City as 2 companies move to town

2011-08-25T09:30:00.000-07:00

Shaggy's Copper Country Skis will be hosting an Open House at its new factory/showroom on Saturday, Sept. 10. The new facility is located at 01170 M-75 South in Boyne City between Challenge Mountain Resale and the BP Gas Station. The event will start with a ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. and continues until 6 p.m. The Open House will feature an unveiling of the 2011/12 lineup for Shaggy's Copper Country Skis. Factory tours will be offered, detailing how each ski is handcrafted in Boyne City. Shaggy's will also be giving away free swag including T-shirts and stickers. A drawing will be held for a free pair of skis from the newly unveiled lineup. Shaggy’s is an independent ski company founded in South Lyon, Michigan in 2005. Shaggy's handcrafts snow skis from the start of the core to the layup and final tuning of the skis. Company owner Jeff Thompson said, “We are a family operation that puts our heart and soul into our product. There is no outsourcing at Shaggy’s; we are American-made and we are Pure Michigan.” For more information visit www.sccskis.com.

Additionally, John and Shari Thompson will open the doors of their construction company, Thompson Home Construction, at the same location. Moving their successful construction business of 26 years (from South Lyon) to Boyne City, the couple hopes to serve the community with fast and reliable service. Both licensed Residential Builders, John and Shari bring 26 years of experience in residential and commercial construction. Additionally, John’s 33 years of carpentry experience (rough framing and trim) allow him to accomplish virtually any carpentry job.
To contact either Shaggy's Copper Country Skis or Thompson Home Construction, call (231) 459-4322 or (231) 330-2854.

Northwestern Bank loan center opens in Boyne City

2011-08-25T07:45:00.000-07:00

Northwestern Bank’s Loan Center in Boyne City opened for business on Aug. 25, 2011. The storefront office is located at 104 S. Lake Street, just off Water Street in the downtown retail district and will offer commercial and residential mortgages, business loans, home equity lines of credit and other consumer loans. “We’re excited to be expanding our lending presence in Charlevoix County and in the Boyne City area,” said Northwestern Vice President Steve Weber, who will be managing the Loan Center as well as Northwestern’s Charlevoix office. Joining Weber is Northwestern Bank Mortgage Loan Officer Jessica Porter, who brings more than 10 years of mortgage lending experience. The Boyne City location also has a 24-hour full-service ATM and can accept deposits from Northwestern Bank customers. In addition to the Loan Center in Boyne City, Northwestern serves the Charlevoix and Emmet County areas with an office in Charlevoix, three locations in Petoskey, one in Bay Harbor, and one in Harbor Springs. Northwestern Bank was chartered in 1955 and is now the largest independent community bank in Northern Michigan. A growing financial institution with more than $885 million in assets, the bank is one of the leading mortgage, consumer, and commercial lenders in the region. Based in Traverse City, Northwestern Bank offers complete banking, investment and trust, and employee benefit services from 27 offices throughout northern Lower Michigan. Northwestern is known for its "I can do that!" approach to service, which empowers employees to make decisions on the spot to meet customer needs and exceed their expectations. For more information on Northwestern Bank, go to www.nwbank.com or call (231) 459-4305.

Medical equipment company to expand to Boyne City, creating up to 100 jobs

2011-08-10T03:44:00.000-07:00

(From the Petoskey News-Review) A Michigan-based medical equipment manufacturing company is set to expand to Boyne City. Precision Edge produces high quality medical tools in Sault Ste. Marie and intends to build a new factory this year in Boyne City for a total building and equipment investment of $5.8 million. The company hopes to by January occupy the new building set to be constructed in Boyne Air Business Park and have 30 workers on the payroll to start and 75 to 100 by 2016, said John Truckey, company president. The company announced its plans at Tuesday's Boyne City Commission meeting. Full story.

Boyne City woman living in a lavender paradise

2011-08-05T05:36:00.000-07:00

Just a bit off the beaten path where many GPS devices are rendered virtually useless, Linda Longworth has created a lavender paradise and handmade cottage industry, one fragrant plant at a time. Longworth’s cousin, Jan Ruback, wrote to tell me about the farm that features a whole line of handmade lavender-based products and offers craft classes after I put a call out to readers for “made in Michigan” destinations to visit this summer. I’m glad Ruback got in touch because a stop at Lavender Hill Farms in Boyne City during a recent vacation with my family proved to be a fabulous handmade destination. Full story from the Grand Rapids Press.

4 candidates for 3 Boyne City Commission seats

2011-07-17T18:13:00.000-07:00

The filing deadline has passed and there are 4 candidates for 3 open seats on the Boyne City Commission. Delbert “Gene” Towne is running unopposed for a two-year term on the commission. Earlier this year, Towne was appointed to fill the seat vacated by Dan Adkison, who moved out of the city, and there were two years remaining on his term. The other 3 candidates are running for two, four-year terms. They are: Mark Dole,owner of Pineapple Cottage Care; Derek Gaylord, jail administrator for the county Sheriff’s Department; and Tom Neidhamer, retired teacher and Planning Commission chairman. One additional candidate had filed a petition, but it was found that he had not been a registered voter in the city for a full year, as the city charter requires; so his name will not appear on the ballot. Not running for reelection are Mayor Chuck Vondra, who is stepping down after 12 years on the commission, and Commissioner Mike Cummings, who has served for four years. The Boyne Area Chamber thanks them both for the major time and effort they have devoted to public service for the betterment of Boyne City.

> The election is Nov. 8, and the Chamber will hold a city candidates forum at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25, at the Boyne District Library Community Room.

Chambers unveil Leadership Charlevoix County program

2011-07-17T18:09:00.000-07:00

A new Leadership Charlevoix County program is being organize by the county’s four chambers of commerce, including the Boyne Area Chamber. The goal of the program is to to identify new and emerging leaders while strengthening individual leadership skills and increasing awareness of community needs. Leadership Charlevoix County will consist of an orientation, full-day monthly sessions from September through May, and a graduation ceremony. Topics for the sessions include: Connecting with Your Governmnt; Health and Human Services; Economic Development; Education Today; Building Your Tool Box; Arts, Culture and Philanthropy; Your Environment and Natural Resources, and Where Do We Go from Here? Each session will cover various skills associated with leadership and will include community leaders, businesses, and projects throughout the county. Funding to help launch the program was provided in a grant from the Charlevoix County Community Foundation. Website: www.leadershipcharlevoixcounty.com. Application form. The deadline has passed for participating in the inaugural 2011-12 program, however if you would like more information about next year's program, contact Jim Baumann, executive director of the Boyne Area Chamber, 231-582-6222, or Mishelle Shooks, program coordinator of Leadership Charlevoix County, at the Charlevoix Chamber of Commerce, 231-547-2101.

Pride of Baltimore tall ship returns to Boyne City

2011-07-17T18:03:00.000-07:00

The Pride of Baltimore II tall ship will be returning to Boyne City the weekend of July 29-31. Last August, the Pride of Baltimore and the schooner Lynx visited Boyne City, and large crowds turned out to see them up close. That visit and this year’s were arranged by Wally Kidd of Kidd & Leavy Real Estate. Kidd's late father Jack lived in Baltimore and was one of the founders of the organization that oversees the Pride of Baltimore II, which is a reproduction of an 1812 era privateer. Sponsors making this year’s visit possible are Catt Development, Northwestern Bank, Friends of the Boyne City Library, American Waste and the Wally and Margy Kidd family. Ship tours will be available daily at a charge of $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free. Two-hour daily sails around Lake Charlevoix will be available at $50 for adults and $30 for ages 6 to 12; reservations can be made online or by calling 888-557-7433. Opportunities for business or group receptions, both sailing and dockside, are also available; for information, call Wally Kidd at 231-439-2800 or 231-838-2700 (cell). Photos from last year. * Pride website.

Lt. Governor coming to Boyne City for 1910 Building ribbon cutting

2011-07-17T17:58:00.000-07:00

Lt. Gov. Brian Calley is scheduled to come to Boyne City July 20 for a ribbon cutting ceremony at the 1910 Water Works Building at the intersection of Park and Division Streets. The public is invited to attend the ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. Calley is attending because state grants helped improve the city water system and restore the 100-year-old building. News-Review article.

Stroll the Streets of Boyne for music, magic, mirth

2011-06-19T20:26:00.001-07:00

Stroll the Streets, every Friday night in the summer

From the Petoskey News-Review: Stroll the Streets will fill downtown Boyne City with music and entertainment 6-9 p.m. every Friday from June 24 through Labor Day weekend. This is the eighth year for Stroll the Streets, which is organized by the Boyne City Main Street Program. "We originally wanted to find a way to bring people downtown to see what Boyne City has to offer," said Karen Guzniczak, event organizer and founder. "Getting off the ground was real tough, but now it's an extremely popular event." Music ranges from traditional folk to jazz and rock. Other activities include magicians, caricature artists, face painting and balloon twisting. This year there are new acts coming in as well as returning favorites. It has grown to include seven to eight musicians each time, according to Guzniczak. The lineup for June 24 includes Beer Bottle Blues Band, Harbor Hoe Down, Harry Colestock, June Bug, Kelly Beck, Kowalske Family Band, Lake Street Ramblers, Ruby Williams and Friends, and The Vermeers. Full story.

Wildwood Rush zipline canopy tour opens near Young State Park

2011-06-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

From the Petoskey News-Review: A pair of local builders have an altogether new venture -- or adventure -- under way. Todd Wright, of Boyne City, and Andy Poineau, of East Jordan, opened Wildwood Rush Friday, a zip line canopy tour business across the road from Young State Park, just north of Boyne City. Their 50 acres there once were intended for an eco-friendly housing development, but instead became an eco-centered tourist attraction. "Last year, we built a zip line for our own amusement," Wright said. The idea literally launched into the sky from there. Now the builders have 12 guides on the payroll and expect to capitalize off the new business's proximity to the state park and its well-established ability to draw in tourists to the Lake Charlevoix shoreline. It's basically a captive audience. "Being close to the park is awesome," Wright said.. Full story.

Creating options for the future at Boyne District Library

2011-06-12T20:53:00.000-07:00

In an effort to enhance the long-term viability and potential growth of the Boyne District Library, its board of trustees recently purchased the property at 214 Ray Street, next to the Library and the city parking lot. While there are no immediate plans for the property, the board wanted to create options for the future. The library serves the people of Boyne City, Evangeline and Bay townships, and parts of Eveline and Wilson townships. The library was renovated and expanded in 2001. While it has served the community’s needs well in the past 10 years, the number of library users has increased by more than 80% (based on statistics from the library’s annual State Aid Report), the need for library resources is growing, and there are indications that future expansion may be needed. “Some days in the summer we are so busy that it’s hard to find a place to sit,” said library director Cliff Carey. “Our meeting rooms are often booked with four different meetings in one day. The public computers are full, the children’s room is humming with activity and our resources are fully utilized.” News story.

Massage therapist opens Elite Energetics in downtown Boyne

2011-06-11T21:01:00.000-07:00

The Chamber and Main Street welcome Karen Wright and Elite Energetics to the Boyne City downtown business community. She is a nationally certified massage therapist and massage instructor who graduated from one of the top schools, Boulder College of Massage Therapy, in 2002. A Michigan native, Karen spent the last eight years at top resorts in Orlando. She specializes in therapeutic treatment work, heeling sole massage (full body massage with the feet), and achieving a state of relaxation. "My goal is to add to the quality bodywork in this area while building lasting relationships. I will work with you to reduce muscle soreness, increase performance and range of motion, and balance your mind/body/spirit." Elite Energeticsis located in the historic railroad building at 112 S. Park St. and Karen can be reached at 231-675-0015 or by email at eliteenergetics@gmail.com.

Dunagain's Antiques and Collectibles opens in SOBO

2011-05-13T20:33:00.000-07:00

From the Petoskey News-Review: Wanting to add to the interesting businesses in the SOBO district of Boyne City, Michael Sehr opened Dunagain's Antiques and Collectibles on May 1. I think when you see a town without an antique shop, there is just something missing. It's a great draw for Boyne City and a wonderful draw for this neighborhood. An antique shop was needed in the SOBO district," said Sehr. Located in the former Boyne Valley Printing building at 209 S. Lake St., the shop is filled with antique and rustic furniture, a selection of vintage clothing and accessories, pottery and a variety of retro lamps, to name a few of the items. Along with Sehr, there are six vendors in the store. "For the circle of collectors that I know, I want them to have a really nice place to sell their items. The only reason I started to sell antiques is so that I could keep buying them," laughed Sehr. Full story.

Boyne City building vibrant downtown with innovative Main Street program

2011-03-10T17:17:00.000-08:00

Reprinted from the Harbor Light newspaper: Boyne City, located less than an hour southeast of Harbor Springs, has spent the last decade in headline-grabbing transformation. Once a gritty, worn center for trades of times past - lumber yards, tanneries, and a chemical plant marked its Lake Charlevoix shores - the village has escaped a decline that has swallowed so many Michigan towns. In doing so, the town has provided a model, showcasing a keen eye toward the future - one that its neighbors, Harbor Springs among them, might consider. Full story.

Logo Pros expanding with move to former Momentum location

2011-02-18T12:56:00.000-08:00

Logo Pros owner Bethany Revoir has announced that she is expanding her business and will be moving into the former Momentum store at 118 Water St. in downtown Boyne City. Revoir expects the move to come in mid-April after some painting and remodeling. She is excited to be moving from a much smaller location at 211 S. Lake St., which has served as her business location since she opened six years ago. “This will give me a lot more space to expand my retail sales,” said Revoir. She plans to come up with a new name for the retail apparel portion of the business. She will continue to use the Logo Pros name for the embroidery, screen printing and promotional products portion of the business. With the additional space, Revoir also plans to hire one or two employees by summer and will expand her evening hours. For information, call (231) 582-0988.

Say bon appetit to Michigan as culinary tourism soars

2011-01-24T16:39:00.000-08:00

(From MLive.com, the website of Booth Newspapers) Soon you’ll be able to spend a weekend “glazing and grazing” — firing a pottery plate one day and enjoying locally grown gourmet food on it the next. Or there’s the “Boyne Appetit” weekend, designed like a pub crawl but instead visits the kitchens of top chefs. Or a tour of a dozen Frankenmuth food venues (cheese makers, pretzel rollers, brewers and more), all guided by a free smart phone application. Those outings, plus a Michigan chestnut tour, a brewery tour (with driver) of Southeast Michigan and many others, are being developed across Michigan, thanks to inspiration offered earlier this month at the state’s first Culinary Tourism conference. Full story.

"Boyne Appetit" promotes restaurants and local foods

2011-01-24T08:25:00.000-08:00

(From TV 9 & 10 News) Every small Northern Michigan community is known for something and Boyne City wants to be known as a great place to eat. Community leaders met with a consultant last summer who helped highlight high points in the community. Boyne City just launched a new culinary tourism initiative called Boyne Appetit. The purpose is to promote the area's restaurants and local foods. See TV news video.

Midwest Living picks Cafe Sante as one of the best new restaurants

2011-01-05T07:28:00.000-08:00

Midwest Living magazine has named Boyne City's Cafe Sante to its list of Best New Midwest Places to Play, Eat and Stay - here's what they said: "Cafe Sante patio, how do we love thee? Let us count the ways. Lake Charlevoix waves. Hypnotic fire ring. Truffled mushroom pizza. European and Michigan brews. Sigh." Pictured here is Chelsea Sykes, one of Cafe Sante's servers. Details from magazine website.

Boyne City in race for national Main Street of the year

2011-01-05T06:48:00.000-08:00

(From the Petoskey News-Review) The city of Boyne City has been selected as a semifinalist for the 2011 national Great American Main Street Awards. Since 1995 the National Trust for Historic Preservation has chosen 10 semifinalists a year from a nationwide pool of applicants who are later narrowed to five finalists, and Boyne City is one step away from joining the short list of elite winners. "It's great recognition for what we've done in the community. This will draw attention to what we have here and it will benefit everyone," said Hugh Conklin, Boyne City Main Street Program manager. In September the Boyne City Main Street program was selected as the best program in the state based on its achievements throughout the year and the use of the Main Street's approach to development. According to Conklin, after Boyne City won the state-level achievement they were encouraged to apply for the national award. Full story.

AT&T extends 3G service to Northern Michigan

2010-12-06T08:43:00.000-08:00

(From the Petoskey News-Review) Communications provider AT&T announced that it has brought parts of Emmet and Charlevoix counties into its mobile broadband network. The new technology - incorporating 3G, or 3rd Generation mobile telecommunications standards - extends access for advanced mobile services, devices, and feature-rich audio and video content to customers in the area. The activation of mobile broadband technology on nearly 20 cell sites has enhanced wireless coverage for residents and businesses in communities including Petoskey, Bay Harbor, Boyne City, Charlevoix and East Jordan. The network has also been enhanced along major roads, including U.S. 31. Full story.

New Boyne City wine/food store aims for local flavor

2010-11-23T17:28:00.000-08:00

Ed and Kristine Brehm

Ed and Kristine Brehm are thinking locally as they prepare to open a new wine and food shop in downtown Boyne City. Wine Emporium & Market is set to open in mid-December at 123 Water St., immediately west of the Boyne Country Provisions party store which the Brehms currently operate. The two retail spaces will connect with one another. The wine section currently offered at Boyne Country Provisions will be relocated to the Wine Emporium space and expanded significantly. "We'll have more than 3,000 bottles," Ed said. Ed, a certified sommelier, tastes a variety of wines in order to determine which bottles to offer to customers. The selection covers a broad price range, but the emphasis is on $10-20 wines that deliver exceptional quality for their price point. The new retail space also will house an Italian-themed deli with soups and sandwiches as well as a market area with organic, international and natural food items. Fresh meats, chicken and fish, as well as breads, side salads, dips and Michigan and international cheeses, will be available. Full story from Petoskey News-Review.

State of the Community: “Boyne City is going strong”

2010-11-04T11:06:00.000-07:00

Boyne City leaders addressed citizens at the Fraternal Order of Eagles club to present an update on the state of the community. Four key speakers from different city and county offices gave their views of how the city has been doing over the past year, what projects are under way and what the future looks like for the people of Boyne City. News-Review * 4 videos

Tall Ships visit Boyne City - click photo to see more pictures

2010-08-11T04:39:00.000-07:00

Debbie and John Connor open doors to Boyne River Adventures

2010-08-03T13:44:00.000-07:00

(From the Petoskey News-Review) Debbie and John Connor opened the doors to Boyne River Adventures on July 20, offering kayak trips down its namesake river and on Lake Charlevoix. “We recently moved here permanently, though we have been visiting every chance we could these last seven years. We knew we had to find something to do, in terms of work, and we knew we wanted it to be seasonal and fun,” said Debbie. “Since we have been kayak enthusiasts for 20 years, and we wanted to bring awareness of the great opportunities to enjoy the outdoors to the area, we decided on kayak trips down the Boyne, which really hasn‘t been done until now,” said John. The two-hour trips cost $33 for a single kayak or $66 for a tandem boat. The put-in site is at Dam Road, and takeout is at Veterans Park in downtown Boyne City. Included in the trip is a sack lunch provided by a local deli and delivered at the end of the trip. This lunch includes a deli sandwich, bag of cookies, chips aSave as Draftnd a pop or water.

Alpine Chocolat Haus opening Boyne City shop

2010-06-18T04:42:00.000-07:00

Boyne City residents and visitors will soon be able to enjoy the same bounty of sweet treats presently offered by the Alpine Chocolat Haus at 208 W. Main St. in Gaylord at their own Alpine Chocolat Haus. On June 18, owner Bruce Brown will open his second candy store at the One Water Street development in Boyne City. According to Brown, he’d been considering a second store for years. The One Water Street site, developed by Gaylord-based Catt Development, is what sold him on taking the big step now. “I fell in love with the location and the spot where the store will be,” said Brown. “The development is right on the water and there’s a great restaurant there, Cafe Sante." Full story.

SOBO moniker captures Boyne City's renaissance

2010-05-12T17:40:00.000-07:00

By Kim Schneider: Boyne City wasn’t banking on a “name it and they will come” phenomenon when local market owner Liz Glass created colorful signs that read SOBO for a section of her “South Boyne” neighborhood. Not surprisingly, the idea of a sign modified from a Manhattan subway logo to grace a small town best known for this week’s National Morel Mushroom Festival started as “tongue-in-cheek funny,” said Jim Baumann, executive director of the Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce. “People are now calling us, saying they want to be in SOBO,” he said. In a town just a few blocks big, it’s not hard to find the so-called SOBO, near Lake Charlevoix and on the south edge of town. These days, there’s usually a party of some sort going on there. Artist Anthony Williams and a group of collaborators last July opened Freshwater Studio after transforming a building empty for 30-plus years. The brick walls and massive front windows now showcase artworks inspired by nature, the place often buzzing with artist workshops or concerts coordinated by Williams’ wife, folk singer Robin Lee Berry. Full story.
> Kim Schneider is the travel columnist for Booth Newspapers. Pictured above are Liz Glass of Lake Street Market and Tony Williams of Freshwater Studio.

"The B.B.Q." restaurant opening in historic Boyne depot

2010-04-25T10:13:00.000-07:00

(From the Petoskey News-Review) Music on the deck, warm cornbread, succulent barbecue sauce and a different steak special each week will be among the offerings at The BBQ, a soon-to-open restaurant in Boyne City. The BBQ is scheduled to open Monday, May 10 in the historic railroad depot building at 151 Ray St. Monty Wilhelm, owner and head chef of The BBQ, is aiming for a family-friendly setting with satisfying, quality meals at reasonable prices. Menu items range from a variety of steaks and sandwiches to Asian and Mediterranean salads and a children's menu, with prices starting at $4.95. For dessert, strawberry shortcake will be a dependable favorite, and each week, Wilhelm will offer a different chocolate concoction. The BBQ’s hours will be from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon-10 p.m Sunday. For more information, call 582-7401. Full story.

Classic Instruments named one of "50 Companies to Watch"

2010-04-25T10:03:00.000-07:00

Boyne City's Classic Instruments has been recognized as one of the 2010 "Michigan 50 Companies to Watch." Kilwin's Chocolates, headquartered in Petoskey with a store in Boyne City, is also one of the 50 honorees. This prestigious award is sponsored by the Edward Lowe Foundation and will be presented at the Michigan Celebrates Small Business event, the state's premier celebration of entrepreneurship in Lansing on April 29. Classic Instruments owner John McLeod commented: "Working in an industry you love with the greatest team you could ask for and be able to work in the most beautiful place in the world (Boyne City), is a grand slam. I am very proud to be included in such a hard-working group and I owe it all to my family, employees, and community." He said the award "highlights the importance of entrepreneurship and the ability of a small business to boost the economy not only locally but on a national level." Story from Petoskey News-Review.

City approves funding for Dilworth study

2010-03-25T19:00:00.000-07:00

The Boyne City Main Street program has received city approval to spend up to $25,000 in tax dollars to help fund a study for a developer’s proposed redevelopment of the landmark Wolverine Dilworth Inn. The Boyne City City Commission unanimously approved the expenditure at its regular semi-monthly meeting March 9. Recently, Landmark Development Company, a partnership made up of long-time Boyne City businessman Tom Johnson and former East Jordan City Manager David White, unveiled a plan to renovate and re-open the now closed hotel under a franchise agreement with the national hotel organization Choice Hotels. The nearly 100-year-old hotel has been closed for about 16 months and reopening or redeveloping it recently was at or near the top of lists of citizens’ concerns and priorities for the city gleaned from a public input session and online surveys.

Full story from Petoskey News-Review * Background story

Bird’s Nest opening new store, “Girls Club”

2010-03-25T18:58:00.000-07:00

The Bird’s Nest will soon be opening a second Boyne City store, to be called "Girls Club." The store will have a pre-opening March 26 and 27 and the full opening will be Friday, April 2. Girls Club is located in the Bird’s Nest’s original location, across the street and down the alley from the current store. “We have been busy transforming the store into a nook just for girls,” said owner Holly Watson. “The store product emphasizes the celebration of being a girl, having a BFF, and being fabulous and classy. The store has just about everything a girl could want from age two to tween. Some items we will carry are purses, glosses, bath items, manicure kits, craft kits, BFF shirts, pearl jewelry, and girl-sized scarves.” Until Memorial Day weekend, hours will be limited to Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 to 4. Become a fan on Facebook – search for "Boyne City Girls Club."

New name, new façade for “inspired living”

2010-03-25T18:55:00.000-07:00

The downtown Boyne City store formerly named bali living imports has unveiled its newly remodeled storefront and its new name, inspired living. And they are celebrating with a Spring Clearance Sale. They were spotlighted in a recent story in the Petoskey News-Review:
Willingness to make a change is what led Leslie Neilson to Northern Michigan, and it's also what has kept her Boyne City business strong for the last 10 years. Neilson left a promising career in microbiology to move to Boyne City a decade ago with her husband, Paul Nicholls. Here, they opened their business, Bali & Beyond, where they sold items found in villages during their trips to Bali. Soon after, they changed the name of the business to Bali Living Imports. And recently, they changed the name for a third time, to Inspired Living. Full story.

Dental clinic offices coming to One Water Street

2010-03-01T19:09:00.000-08:00

A statewide dental services organization, Michigan Community Dental Clinics, Inc. has announced its commitment to occupy the entire second floor of the new One Water commercial business space currently under development in downtown Boyne City. Occupancy is expected in late June or early July. Phase I of the One Water project, which is an undertaking of Catt Development, will include a selection of small retail shops along with Magnum Hospitality's new restaurant, Santé, which will have a European Bistro theme. In addition there will be a state-of-the-art 24-slip marina, operated this year by the Boyne City Municipal Marina. Phase II of the development, scheduled to break ground in the fall of 2010, will round out the new marina district of Boyne City with a 37-room hotel that will include 17 condominium suites overlooking Lake Charlevoix. Michigan Community Dental Clinics, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit dental services corporation, operates 17 public health dental clinics statewide, serving people on Medicaid and low-income uninsured individuals at reduced rates. MCDC facilitates the development of dental facilities for local health departments, and operates the clinics on their behalf. With a total staff of over 160, which includes 46 dentists, 28 dental hygienists, and over 80 auxiliary staff, Michigan Community Dental Clinics served more than 50,000 individuals in 2009. The administrative staff in Boyne will number about 20 in July, and will grow over time with continued growth of the clinic network. The organization expects to add three new clinics to its network in 2010.
> For more information, contact Dr. Tom Veryser, MCDC Executive Director, at tveryser@midental.org, or by phone 547-7656; or Glen Catt at gbcatt@cattdevelopment.com.

New European bistro to be named Cafe Santé

2010-03-01T19:03:00.000-08:00

"As-yet-unnamed" no longer! Magnum Hospitality is thrilled to "toast" the name of their European-themed bistro, Santé, scheduled to open in late May or early June at the One Water project in downtown Boyne City. According to Magnum's website, "The thrill comes from finally having the naming process over - this was tougher than naming any of our children! "À votre santé!" translates from the French to "To your health!", and is commonly shortened to "à la votre!" or "Santé!". It is used in similar fashion to our "Cheers!", the German "Prost!", Spanish "Salud!", or Italian "Salute!" Whether it is a special occasion or the celebration of another day, Santé! will be the place to raise a glass in appreciation of good friends, family, health and life. The new café will feature artisan pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven and classic fare from all of Europe..... Santé!

Outdoor shop coming to downtown Boyne City

2010-02-18T12:18:00.000-08:00

The former Kiss Carpet building at 126 Water Street, will be home to a new outdoor sports shop called No Boundaries in early April. The new store will offer outdoor apparel and gear for hiking, camping, paddle sports, kayaks, cycling and Nordic (but not downhill) skiing. Owners are Bob South, a Boyne City area resident who will manage the store, and Jeff Collins, a Petoskey resident and custom home builder who also owns Glennwood Construction, which is doing the tenant improvements for the store. "We are friends from cycling, we ride together regularly," South said. "Jeff has an entrepreneurial mind and so do I, and we share the same vision for the store. It's not the best economy to open a new business, but we believe in Boyne City." South is a former board member of the Boyne Area Chamber, and says "We really want to be involved in the community and the Chamber." Another key employee will be Ben Tompkins, who will help manage the store and will also be involved with building strong community relations. South grew up in Indiana, graduated from the University of Indiana. He and his wife Carrie moved here in 1997; they now have three children. South was one of the original owners of North Country Cycle Sport in Boyne City and most recently worked at High Gear Sports in Petoskey.

Expanded broadband service coming to county

2010-02-17T16:28:00.000-08:00

(From the Petoskey News-Review) Charlevoix County residents are expected to be among the first in the state to benefit from a $33 million federal stimulus grant that will help bring vastly expanded broadband Internet access to the area. Representatives from the nonprofit Merit Network, which is overseeing the network expansion project, hosted an informational session for area business and government officials at the Boyne District Library Thursday. The project, dubbed the “REACH Michigan Middle Mile Collaborative” will extend Merit’s existing 1,600-mile network of fiber-optic by 955 miles which will directly connect 44 “anchor” institutions such as libraries, universities, colleges and health care centers state-wide. Merit officials estimate that across the state, the project will make broadband Internet service more easily available to more than 886,000 households, 45,800 businesses and many other public institutions such as schools. Read the full story.

Certified sommelier steers BC Provisions wine selection

2010-02-17T16:09:00.000-08:00

(From the Petoskey News-Review) When customers stop by one local corner store to pick up a bottle of wine, they'll find a selection that's influenced by the sort of beverage expert more commonly found in high-end restaurants. After 18 months of studying wine and related topics, Ed Brehm, 44, recently became a certified sommelier. He has attained the first two of four accreditation levels offered through the Court of Master Sommeliers. His wife, Kristine - who began operating the Boyne Country Provisions party store in downtown Boyne City a year and a half ago - has been tapping his wine-evaluation knowledge in deciding what bottles to order. Under their ownership, the store has quadrupled the number of available labels.

Read the full story.

The best of Boyne: Chamber honors business leaders

2010-01-23T13:47:00.000-08:00

From the Petoskey News-Review: The economy might still be struggling to recover from a recession, but for the second year in a row, the Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce is celebrating a string of business successes. Among the new developments in the Boyne City business community that were held out as examples of the community’s ability to weather the ongoing economic storm was the “South Boyne” or “SoBo” arts district that sprung up over the summer in the area of south Lake and East Main streets. Liz Glass, from Lake Street Market, shared the story of how she came up with the idea for the moniker for the area (inspired by the “SoHo” district of New York City) after seeing several art studios spring up near her shop. “It’s become this thing,” Glass said. "It’s a vibrant sort of notion now.” Speaking of her own establishment’s business over the past year, Glass said, “In a really bad economy, we’re at least flat, and flat’s the new up, right?”

Red Mesa Grill general manager Don Ryde said the well-known downtown restaurant also has done well. “It’s been a great year, a banner year, the best we’ve ever had,” Ryde said.

PHOTO - The chamber handed out annual awards to, from left, Community Pride Award to Dean Kleinschrodt of the American Legion, Entrepreneur of the Year to Tony Williams of Freshwater Studio, Young Entrepreneur of the Year Chris Faulknor of the Boyne City Gazette, Volunteer of the Year Karen Guzniczak of Country Now & Then, and Sally Roselli Business Leadership Award to Glen Catt of Catt Development.
Details and full story from Petoskey News-Review.

Magnum plans European bistro at One Water Street

2009-11-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

From the Petoskey News-Review: Traverse City-based Magnum Hospitality has signed an agreement with Gaylord-based Catt Development to locate a new restaurant in Catt’s under-construction One Water Street project in Boyne City. In a joint news-release issued Tuesday, Catt Development president Glen Catt and Magnum Hospitality co-owner Mary Palmer said lease documents for the new restaurant were finalized last week. Palmer said the owners haven’t settled on a name yet, but they are planning European bistro theme for the new restaurant. Palmer and co-owner Fred Moore recently completed a “dining tour” of Paris and Rome researching the concept. Palmer said they are planning to offer cuisine from all over Europe at an affordable price. She said one of the restaurant’s featured items will be dishes cooked in a wood-fired oven, especially pizza. In September, Catt began construction on the first of two phases for the $12 million One Water Street project. Construction is on pace to allow the new, 4,100 square-foot restaurant to open in June.

Food and Friends at Lake Street Market

2009-11-25T03:50:00.000-08:00

From the Northern Express, by Krisi Kates: As Liz Glass was being interviewed for this article, a woman was standing outside of Glass’ Lake Street Market - which she co-owns with Chris Meyer - taking a photograph of the store. “That happens a lot,” Glass chuckles. “People walk in the door and say, ‘wow, what a neat place.’” Housed in a 105-year-old building on the edge of Boyne City’s business district, Lake Street Market holds on to an old-school appeal with its beadboard shelving, crooked wooden fl oors, Persian carpets, local art, a retired (but still working) streetlamp, and antique equipment and tools. “It’s extremely relaxed,” Glass agrees, “let’s just say that it’s ambiance has evolved organically.” “There’s always something interesting to look at or buy in most nooks and crannies,” Chris Meyer explains. “We don’t have elaborate displays of goods targeted to appeal to consumers, but, yes, an almost organic accumulation of interesting items in a state of meticulous disarray.”

Both Glass and Meyer, originally from Michigan, met in South Carolina at a time when they were both ready to return to their home state. Meyer had a “few decades” experience in food and beverage, and Glass had worked extensively with wine; Meyer is said to be good with the big picture, while Glass’ skills often focus on marketing. So the duo proved to be a great team. They founded Lake Street Market over five years ago, and haven’t looked back since, Meyer says.

Full story.

Boyne City wood pellets business plan approved

2009-11-20T16:13:00.000-08:00

From the Charlevoix County News, By B. J. Conley-Hetler: A business that manufactures wood pellets for home and commercial heating use, received final site plan approval from the Boyne City Planning Commission on Nov. 16. Kirtland Products, LLC, located in the Air Industrial Park, is owned by Mike Lange and Tom Monley, both from the Boyne area, and by businessman Leon Tupper of Arete Industries in Southfield. Arete Industries has an office in the industrial park. All three are former automotive industry employees. Wood pellets are a local resource, renewable and sustainable, Monley said. Other positives are that it is a clean energy and that local jobs will be created. The estimate for job creation is approximately 20 people in the office and 30 to 40 workers to harvest and transport wood. The planning commissions’ approval requires Kirtland’s final landscaping plan to be approved by staff, that a landscaping bond be obtained and the business obtains approval from the FAA and Michigan Department of Environmental Quality for updated permits.
Full story.

Michigan Municipal League: Team Boyne brings together big players

2009-11-08T09:50:00.001-08:00

From the Michigan Municipal League "Review," November/December, 2009, by Jennifer Eberbach: In Boyne City, leaders in the community have teamed up to form Team Boyne in order to “create an environment to foster and nurture the entrepreneurial spirit of Boyne City,” according to the group’s statement of purpose. Team Boyne’s activities center around regular meetings, which bring together city officials, downtown organization directors, business owners, and other community leaders who work towards shared goals.
Current Chairman Jim Baumann, who runs the Boyne City Chamber of Commerce, explains, “What I love about this group is that you have the city manager, the school superintendent, the Chamber director, the Main Street director, and key business people all at the same table virtually every month. It’s a good way to informally make sure everybody is on the same page.”
Boyne City participated in Michigan State University Extension’s “Creating Entrepreneurial Communities” (CEC) training program, after a handful of community members attended the CEC 2006 conference. “That’s where it all got started,” says Hugh Conklin, Boyne City’s Main Street manager. “They were looking at how communities can get involved in addressing the realization that business recruiting is changing. It isn’t going to be recruiting manufacturing anymore,” he explains. Full story.

Farmers Market moves indoors for month of November

2009-11-04T17:10:00.000-08:00

The Boyne City Farmers Market will move indoors this year for the first time. Vendors will offer the seasonal produce, meats, cheese, baked and canned items, honey, maple syrup, and other goodies you've come to expect from the market for a trial period during the month of November. Starting Nov. 7, the market will be open in the heart of downtown Boyne City Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 126 Water St. (formerly Kiss Carpet). The Farmers Market is leasing the building from Dr. Dennis Kirkby. Although he hopes to fill the vacant space more permanently, Dr. Kirkby is excited about the project. If the market goes well and enough interest is generated among those hungry for local food and the vendors who provide it, there may be the opportunity for the market to continue beyond November. The market hopes to attract shoppers from Boyne City and surrounding communities where markets have ended. The second annual Holiday Farmers Market will also be held in the indoor Water Street location on Wednesday, Nov. 25. The Farmers Market is a project of the Boyne City Main Street Program. For more information about the market or becoming a vendor, call Market Manager Jen Lewis, at 420-0996, or the Main Street office at 582-9009.

Video of first indoor Farmers Market

WCMU Public Radio report: "Boyne Bounces Back"

2009-10-22T17:31:00.000-07:00

The following news story by Mary Ellen Geist was broadcast on WCMU Public Radio in October, 2009: Last weekend, Boyne City held its annual Harvest festival downtown and residents, merchants, local farmers and visitors all seemed to agree, Boyne City seems to be bouncing back. "It's created a real buzz in downtown and with the Boyne Country Books converting in with a new owner now at Local Flavors the bookstores back into the swing of things it's also a focal point for ticket sales in downtown. There's just a whole feeling in downtown Boyne City that's just got that vibrant feel and folks are excited". Listen to the full story from WCMU website.

News-Review editor: Check out SOBO in Boyne!

2009-09-21T17:18:00.000-07:00

Opinion column by Petoskey News-Review Editor Kendall Stanley, 9-21-09: Ideas matter, which is why there are successful entrepreneurs in America and we're not just a nation full of navel lint-picking daydreamers. Nurture an idea long enough, move on it and work hard, and who knows what might happen at the other end? Which takes us to that audacious idea that is SOBO. I will grant you that SOBO is not yet a household word, not even in its native Boyne City. But think about how long it took SoHo in New York City to reach a recognizable level of familiarity, and you can see that all is possible. So what's a SOBO, one might ask?

Well, SOBO stands for South Boyne, a moniker developed by four businesses in - where else - South Boyne City. It may have been a whimsical idea at first (and if you know some of the people involved, whimsy is not a scarce commodity), and there may be only four businesses, but the idea is a great one.

On hand at the creation were Cindi Franco's Cool Stuff, Lake Street Market, the Boyne Arts Collective and the latest, the Freshwater Studio, which opened in what had been an abandoned building on Lake Street. Freshwater Studio is the brainchild of Boyne area artists Tony Williams, Robin Lee Berry and Glen and Cindy McCune, who display their work and invite other Northern Michigan artists to showcase their art as well. (SOBO hat photo courtesy of Lake Street Market, which sells these and other hats.)

Rest of story...

Art Scene: Freshwater Studio brings vacant building back to life

2009-07-23T17:57:00.000-07:00

By Jennifer Richardson of The Graphic Weekly, 7-23-09

For 31 years, the retail space between Mark Patrick State Farm Insurance and Klevorn & Klevorn Law Offices on Water Street in Boyne City has been vacant. But on July 4, this space came back to life as four local art supporters unveiled their latest project, Freshwater Studio. Freshwater Studio emphasizes an appreciation of nature. Paintings and sculptures of wildlife and natural tones, both in the building itself as well as in the art on display, create an atmosphere of comfort and beauty. Glen and Cindy McCune of East Jordan and Tony Williams and Robin Lee Berry of Boyne City have renovated the retail space with a nod to its history. The brick walls are exposed, the wood floors speak of earlier times, and already the re-opening has sparked a sense of nostalgia in Boyne City residents.
"People stop in and tell us about how they bought their first bike here," Berry said, noting that the space previously housed Gambles Hardware. The gallery is dominated by the artistic woodworking of Williams and Glen McCune. Williams is a rustic builder, whose work is influenced by the natural shapes and characteristics unique to each piece of wood. (Photo courtesy of The Graphic Weekly)
Full story...

Classic Instruments on list of fast-growing U.S. businesses

2008-11-13T18:23:00.000-08:00

From the Petoskey News-Review, 11-13-08: Despite the challenges facing Michigan's economy for the past several years, examples of business growth can be found from place to place. And by one gauge, two locally based companies were among the privately held U.S. firms that grew fastest between 2004 and 2007. Wojan Window and Door in Charlevoix and Classic Instruments in Boyne City ranked on this year's Inc. 5000, a list of 5,000 privately held businesses with the strongest rates of growth. (Note: Classic also made the 2009 Inc. 5000 list.) The list is assembled by Inc.com, the online arm of Inc. magazine - a publication geared toward small businesses and entrepreneurs. Classic Instruments ranked at No. 4,433 on this year's Inc. 5000. From 2004 through 2007, the company saw annual revenues increase from $1.6 million to $2.5 million - yielding growth of 57.8 percent.

Company president John McLeod said he was "shocked" when he first learned of Classic's inclusion on the list, and added that he was grateful to employees for their contributions to the success. The 31-year-old company builds instruments such as speedometers, tachometers and fuel gauges for automobiles from a variety of eras. Custom-built gauges and refurbishment of old instruments are among the offerings. Classic's Inc. 5000 profile noted that the growing number of retiring baby boomers who build hot rods are creating a niche market for this type of specialty parts manufacturer.

McLeod acquired the company in 2001 from an Oregon couple looking to retire. He moved it to the same Boyne City building as Great Lakes Motor Works, a car restoration business he has run for the past 13 years. Early on during McLeod's ownership, Classic was a one-man operation. Now it includes 22 employees, and has dealers in five countries. Given the state of the economy, McLeod expects Classic's growth will moderate somewhat in the near future. While the company president said it would be nice to move up in Inc.'s rankings, "my personal goals are just to do high-quality business with high-quality staff," he added. (Photo and story courtesy of the Petoskey News-Review). Full story.