Boyne Chamber hires Kim Akin as new executive director

Kim Akin

Kimberly Akin will start her new position as the Boyne Area Chamber's Executive Director on Monday, December 17th. Kim has served as the Executive Director of the Houghton Lake Area Chamber of Commerce for the past four years.
John Cool, the Boyne Chamber's incoming Board President for 2019, commented:  "We had many qualified applicants for this position, and after two rounds of interviews, Kim was our consensus choice. We're confident that she will do a great job and we're excited to welcome her to the Boyne community," Cool said.
Boyne Chamber members can meet Kim at the chamber's Business After Hours next Thursday, December 13th. That event will be held at North Harbor Christie's International Real Estate, 104 S. Lake Street from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Kim Akin was highly involved in her community in the Houghton Lake area. She served as the Chair of the Roscommon Township and Denton Township Planning Commissions, while consulting in both townships' zoning departments. Prior to entering the Chamber world she was the Zoning Administrator at Denton Township and an elected Roscommon County Road Commissioner. Over the years, Kim has been an active Rotarian and Lions Club member as well as serving on various committees and volunteering whenever possible.
Kim enjoys spending her free time with her two children and family, boating, camping, reading, volunteering in her community and shopping. Her daughter Taylar Akin is the executive director of the Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce.
Kim is an advocate for business and Northern Michigan communities and is thrilled to begin her new venture in Boyne. "I am very excited to start this new chapter in my life. I am looking forward to learning about the Boyne area, meeting community members, and working to help in any way I can."
Akin will be replacing Ashley Cousens, who has accepted a position as Communications Specialist for the Charlevoix County Community Foundation. Kim and Ashley will work together during the week of December 17th, and Ashley's final day will be Friday, December 21st.

Long Road Distillers celebrates opening of Boyne City location

Grand Rapids-based Long Road Distillers opened their new distillery tasting room in Boyne City on November 23rd. The celebration coincided with the community's Santa Parade and holiday open house. The Northern Michigan outlet, located at 118 Water Street, is the company's first offsite tasting room apart from their Grand Rapids distillery, cocktail bar and restaurant. Visitors to the new Boyne City location can sample Long Road's line-up of handcrafted spirits, participate in special tasting events, and purchase merchandise to-go, including bottles of Long Road spirits, house-made ginger beer and simple syrups, and a selection of apparel and glassware.

Kyle VanStrien, co-owner and co-founder of Long Road Distillers, commented: "Our team has been hard at work to get everything ready over the past few months, and we're excited to finally share not only what we've been able to build together in this new space, but also the world-class spirits we're proud to craft right here in Michigan."

> To learn more about Long Road - Boyne City and to stay up to date on future special events, visit their Facebook page.

Boyne City honored as one of top 10 Main Streets in nation

Boyne City Main Street has been named a 2019 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) Semifinalist by the National Main Street Center. Winners will be announced at the opening plenary of the Main Street Now Conference in Seattle, Washington, on March 25, 2019.
Boyne City Main Street began 15 years ago and has served as a catalyst for many downtown Boyne City, and Boyne community projects. This includes Boyne Thunder, Stroll the Streets, Walkabout Sculpture Show, Boyne City Farmers Market, and much, much more. Most importantly, the program has involved hundreds of community members and volunteers and many important partnerships. 
"Boyne City Main Street is honored to be named a semifinalist for the Great American Main Street Award, said Kelsie King-Duff, Boyne City Main Street Executive Director. "Being named to the top 10 not only honors and validates everything our community, and most importantly our volunteers, have worked towards over the last 15 years, but sets the stage for the goals yet to be reached." 

Congratulations to Leadership Charlevoix County Class of 2018

A commencement ceremony was held in May at Boyne Mountain Resort for the Leadership Charlevoix County Class of 2018. Sixteen graduates received certificates and padfolios to mark their completion of the 10-month program. This is the seventh class to graduate from the program and there are now 108 LCC alumni.
The Class of 2018 partnered with Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council for their Community Service Project, called "Beetle Mania," which is helping to control the invasive species, Purple Loosestrife.
> Members of the Class of 2018 include:

• Brenda Bingham - The Insurance Shop
• Gretchen Bush - The Spa at Boyne Mountain
• Stephanie Butterboldt - EJ
• Robert Crick - City of East Jordan
• Syrina Dawson - Boyne City Police Department
• Alice Drogt - Landscape Logic
• David Florenski - East Jordan Public Schools
• Kelsie King-Duff - Boyne City Main Street
• Darrell Lawson
• Ryan Novotny - Charlevoix County Transit
• Jessica Puroll - Chemical Bank
• Andrea Seese - Grandvue Medical Care Facility
• Lori Taylor-Blitz - Beaver Island Historical Society
• Carly Thompson - Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce
• Josh Todd - Charlevoix Screen Masters
• Benjamin Way - EJ

> APPLICATIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE for the Leadership Class of 2019 at www.leadershipcharlevoixcounty.com. The application deadline is July 3rd. If you know a future leader who would benefit from this program, please invite them to apply. For further information, visit the website or call Boyne Area Chamber Executive Director Ashley Cousens at 231-582-6222. Ashley graduated from the program in 2017.

Boyne City Main Street receives national accreditation

Boyne City Main Street has been designated as an accredited Main Street America™ program for meeting rigorous performance standards set by the National Main Street Center. Each year, the National Main Street Center and its Coordinating Program partners announce the list of accredited Main Street America programs in recognition of their exemplary commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach.

   "We are thrilled to honor this year's 829 nationally accredited Main Street America programs for their commitment to preservation-based economic development and the revitalization of their commercial districts," says Patrice Frey, President & CEO of the National Main Street Center. "The power of Main Street shines across the country through these vibrant communities, who have all worked to generate impressive economic returns, preserve community character, and celebrate local history."

   Main Street America has been helping revitalize older and historic commercial districts for more than 35 years. In 2017 alone, Main Street America programs generated $4.48 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 6,211 net new businesses, generated 30,294 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 8,737 historic buildings, and clocked 2.7 million volunteer hours.

   Boyne City Main Street's performance is annually evaluated by Michigan Main Street, which works in partnership with the National Main Street Center to identify the local programs that meet ten national performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building comprehensive and sustainable revitalization efforts and include standards such as fostering strong public-private partnerships, documenting programmatic progress, and actively preserving historic buildings. 

> For more information about Boyne City Main Street, visit www.boynecitymainstreet.com or contact Executive Director Kelsie King-Duff at 231-582-9009 or mainstreet@boynecity.com. 

Save the dates for two regional business events

> May 22 - Regional Business After Hours at Antrim Dells

Three Antrim County chambers of commerce are joining the three Charlevoix County chambers for this year's Regional Business After Hours from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 22. The "Swing Into Summer" themed event will be held at Antrim Dells Golf Club and Sunset Grill in Ellsworth. For the past 20 years, the Boyne, East Jordan and Charlevoix Area Chambers of Commerce have teamed up to host this joint Business After Hours to provide networking opportunities for the entire county. This year, to start a new decade of regional cooperation and collaboration, the Charlevoix County Chambers team up with three Chambers from Antrim County - Elk Rapids, Bellaire, and Central Lake. Admission is $10 including hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, DJ, drawings and networking. 
MAKE IT A DAY AND GOLF before the Regional Business After Hours. Bring a friend, colleague or your staff and "swing into summer" at Antrim Dells Golf Club on May 22, starting at 8 a.m. Play 9 holes for $20 or 18 holes for $29, including cart. For more information call 231.599.2679 or visit a-ga-ming.com.

> May 11 - NLEA Annual Luncheon at Boyne Mountain

Join over 700 guests involved in the economic vitality of our area for an exciting afternoon luncheon on Friday May 11, from 11:30am to 1:30pm at Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls, hosted by Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA). This celebration of regional economic development will feature a keynote speaker, live entertainment, prestigious awards and recognition, and plated lunch.  Individual tickets are $25, and $250 for a table of 10. Receive special Early Bird Rates if you purchase tickets now through April 11: $20 for individual tickets and $200 for a table of 10. This celebration of regional economic development will feature a keynote speaker, live entertainment, prestigious awards and recognition, and plated lunch. Call 231-582-6482 with questions. Reserve your ticket or table here .

Boyne Coop True Value celebrating 100th anniversary with major remodel

  2018 is going to be a big year for Boyne Coop True Value. They are celebrating their 100th anniversary with a major remodel of their store, and they are going into the tool and equipment rental business. They are nearly done with the remodeling, which started in December at the store located at 113 S. Park St. 

  Owner Jennifer Hughes said they decided to start offering rentals because customers kept asking about it. They will have a wide variety of rentals, including mowers, tillers, dethatchers, jackhammers, floor sanders, power washers, generators, ground augers and carpet cleaners. A big emphasis will also be renting tents (20x30 ft. and 20x40 ft.), tables and chairs. In fact, they are offering package deals for graduation parties starting at $250, including free delivery. 

  A major anniversary celebration will culminate on June 23rd; details will be announced. For information about the store or the new rentals, call (231) 582-9971.

> Baby Chick Days are coming up May 4th-6th with pre-orders due by Monday, April 9th.