"WelcomeToBoyneCity.com" websites unveiled

No amount of pro-motion of Boyne City is too much… especially in the digital world where multiple links enhance web presence. MetroAlive, a company you may have met at the Chamber Business Expo in April, is dedicated to promoting Boyne City merchants through their “city websites.” They have built a www.WelcomeToBoyneCity.com  website to highlight the greater Boyne City area, emphasizing high quality photography and video. Following their photo sessions, they add new businesses to their “city site” at affordable prices, which also gives the participating business their own website. Participating businesses will also be handing out cards that, when completed by visiting other businesses, can be turned into the Chamber for a gift certificate drawing. They may contact you to discuss the “Welcome To Boyne City” program or you can contact Laurie (586-817-8001) or Scott (313-215-0089) to get more information.

> BUSINESSES FEATURED on WelcometoBoyne City.com include: Huff Pharmacy, BC Pizza, Upsy Daisy Floral, Boyne Coop and the Tackle Box, Water Street Cafe, Boyne Avenue Greenhouse and Florist, Sunset Grill, Country Now & Then/Up the Lazy River, Sommerset Pointe, No Boundaries, en vogue salon and Local Flavor Bookstore - plus more in progress that will be unveiled soon. Click here to check out all the new websites.

Thirsty Goat Restaurant opens to enthusiastic crowds in downtown Boyne City

The Thirsty Goat, Boyne City’s newest downtown restaurant at 220 S. Lake St., tried to have a soft opening Thursday, but a big crowd of locals turned out for dinner… wanting to be among the first to check it out. All were treated to great food, and a great beer and wine selection – come out and see for yourself this weekend. The owners commissioned local sommelier Ed Brehm of the Wine Emporium to select and write their new wine list. Ed commented: “Featuring vino from California, Washington and Oregon, their list is approachable and the wines are delicious. Lots of choices by the glass too. They've done an absolutely fantastic job of giving the building and the outdoor space a facelift. The menu features Northern Michigan fare in ‘New American Tavern’ style and the restaurant will be very family friendly (there's even a Wii for the kiddies).”  HOURS are Tuesday-Saturday from 11 to 10 and Sunday Brunch is 11 to 2. Their phone number is 231.268.4628.

Boyne Parasail opens with “sky high” experience

The new Boyne Parasail is scheduled to open June 1. “What a great addition to summer fun in Boyne City, said Chamber Executive Director Jim Baumann. “Best of luck to young entrepreneurs Joshua Grove and Michael Koteskey, Boyne City residents who have spent months training and planning for this exciting new endeavor.” They have some special offers for opening  week - check their Facebook page or their website, www.boyneparasail.com. “Soaring at heights of up to 500 vertical feet above Lake Charlevoix, flyers will experience unique and rare views of what Pure Michigan has to offer,” Grove said. “Looking inland you will see superb views of Boyne City, Young State Park, Sommerset Pointe Yacht Club, Whiting Park, lakefront homes, and the calm waters in Horton Bay.” According to their website, “Boyne Parasail’s team of Coast Guard-licensed boat captains and crew are trained professionals with complete dedication to safety and putting a huge smile on your face. Before your ride, the captain and crew explain all safety procedures and will answer any questions you may have. You ascend and descend directly from the deck platform at the rear of the boat. As you gently lift off, you are cradled in brand new harnesses that hold you safely and securely. Your ride quickly becomes an exciting yet tranquil experience like no other.” INFO and RESERVATIONS: Call 231-881-6000. Open daily 9 a.m. to sunset at the One Water Marina, just west of Cafe Sante.

Boyne City woman's life changed -- one cookie at a time

(From the Petoskey News-Review, April 13, 2012) About a year and a half ago, Sari King had her life flipped upside-down. At the age of 56, she went through a divorce, was diagnosed with breast cancer and was working a dead-end job. But she turned her personal tragedy into a lifelong dream with one cookie at a time. "I always wanted to do something creative and be self employed. I was forced to reinvent myself on so many levels, why not go with this too," King said. King took her longtime love of helping others, wholesome foods and baking, and turned it into a new business venture -- Crazy Woman Cookies. The company works as a division of Green Plate Catering, a business started by her daughter, Jesse. Full story.

Short-distance move in works for Boyne City's Classic Instruments

(From the Petoskey News-Review, April 3, 2012) During the decade in which John McLeod has owned Classic Instruments, the Boyne City business has established a global reputation — and its growth is prompting a short-distance move to roomier quarters . Creating instrumentation for classic cars, boats and other vehicles that maintains the style of the vehicle while offering state-of-the-art technology is the company’s goal, and a team of graphic designers, computer-aided design drawers and operators, and engineers makes it happen. McLeod said he started out with just a couple of employees, and the business has grown to include a full-time staff of 27. The company has also outgrown its current location at 1299 M-75 South in Boyne City, and will be relocating to Boyne City’s nearby industrial park. There, it will take over existing office space, with plans to build a custom shop covering 8,000-plus square feet during the next couple of years. McLeod said the transition will happen gradually. Currently, carpenter Cliff Parker is working on renovating the office space. Full story.

Credit union opens new Boyne City branch

(From the Petoskey News-Review, March 30, 2012) Bay Winds Federal Credit Union recently relocated its Boyne City branch office to a newly constructed building at 308 N. Lake St. The credit union sees keeping pace with Boyne City’s growth as pivotal to continued success in a highly competitive marketplace. The all-new, full-service branch features two drive-through lanes as well as a drive-up ATM. As a way to provide personalized service, Bay Winds has replaced the traditional teller line with dialog stations at the Boyne City branch. This approach involves a side-by-side service environment intended to be more flexible, functional and member-friendly.  “This approach to banking is a great way to provide the highest level of service without losing the personal touch Bay Winds is known for,” said David Leusink, president/chief executive officer of the credit union.  Full story.

1910 water works building rehab project honored with Governor's Award

Boyne City is among a handful of Michigan communities to receive a 2012 Governor's Award for Historic Preservation. City officials recently rehabilitated the 1910 water works building on Division Street and returned it to its original use. Now the 102-year-old structure stands as not only an historical landmark, but also evidence that communities can preserve their history and still address current citizen needs. "We can achieve a goal if we work hard together. Any time you achieve a goal like that, it gives you the ability to put another feather in our hat," said Michele Hewitt, who sits on the city's historical commission board. Boyne City officials built the water works building after the need for an expanded water system became apparent in 1909, following a decade of population growth during the logging industry's local boom. The building became the city's second water works station for the south side, as another water works station already covered the northern end. Officials added the building to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998 and in more recent years returned it to functional use as a water works facility. Full story from Petoskey News-Review.