Emerging leaders urged to join Leadership Charlevoix County

Business professionals looking to enhance their leadership skills are encouraged to apply for the Leadership Charlevoix County program, now entering its third year. Led by community leaders, the nine-month program will introduce participants to the various sectors of the county, the inner workings and needs of the region.

Applications are available online at www.leadershipcharlevoixcounty.com and are due by 5 p.m. Monday, July 22. Applications can also be picked up at the Boyne City, Charlevoix, East Jordan and Beaver Island Chambers of Commerce or by calling 231.536.2440. A video about the leadership program is available at the website, too.

“Leadership Charlevoix County is designed to cultivate new, emerging and potential leaders from our area,” said program coordinator Mishelle Shooks. “We also hope participants will identify and address pertinent community needs while strengthening their own individual leadership abilities.”

The program comes highly recommended by class participants. “I would recommend Leadership Charlevoix County to anyone - whether they are someone aspiring to become a leader or even someone who is already a leader - as it teaches you all aspects of what leadership really is,” said recent graduate Jamie Caroffino from Michigan Community Dental Clinics.

Last year’s class member Richard Christner with Charlevoix State Bank added, “Not only does Leadership Charlevoix County help participants fine-tune existing skills and develop additional leadership skills but also provides an opportunity to utilize those skills to enrich the community - a rewarding experience.”

City of East Jordan employee Cheltzi Wilson characterized the program as “inspiring and eye opening.”

“Every session I attended I couldn't help but wonder how I could get involved or think of things that I wanted to change or improve in my life. This program gave me the confidence to pursue things I may not have normally done on my own,” Wilson said, adding, “I happily recommend this program to anyone I can in hopes of them receiving the same experience that I had.”

The nine-month course, running from September 2013 through May 2014, will take participants throughout the county and includes sessions in:

• Connecting with government
• Health and human services
• Economic development
• Education today
• Building your toolbox skills of communication, creativity, business ethics and media relations
• Arts, culture and philanthropy
• Environmental and natural resources
• Where do we go from here? Putting newly learned skills to use

In addition to the monthly sessions, the course will kick off with an orientation and then an overnight retreat to Beaver Island. Participants will be matched with a mentor who will help open doors to personal and professional growth. The program culminates with a graduation ceremony in May 2014.

Seats are limited and interested individuals are encouraged to complete an application soon. Tuition is $750 for the full course and includes materials, meals and other program costs. If the applicant’s employer/organization is not a member of the Boyne City, Charlevoix, East Jordan or Beaver Island Chambers of Commerce, the cost is $850. A limited number of scholarships are available.

Leadership Charlevoix County is sponsored by the Boyne City, Charlevoix and East Jordan Chambers of Commerce with support from the Beaver Island Chamber. The program is made possible by a generous grant from the Charlevoix County Community Foundation.

Leadership Charlevoix County is coordinated by Steering Committee members Jim Baumann, Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce; Erin Bemis, Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce; Mary Faculak, East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce; Tom Cannon, City of East Jordan; Susan Conklin, Boyne District Library; Lyn Jenks, Charlevoix Area Hospital; Dianne Litzenburger, Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District; Lori Meeder, Northern Initiatives; Val Meyerson, Charlevoix Public Library; Ann Partridge, Beaver Island Community Center; and Maureen Radke, Charlevoix County Community Foundation; Kim Swidorski, Harbor Industries.

> For more information contact Shooks at mshooks@c3f.org or 231.536.2440.  Questions can also be directed to the Boyne City, East Jordan, Charlevoix and Beaver Island Chambers of Commerce.

Boyne Area Medical Center: New philosophy improves patient care

Boyne Area Medical Center in Boyne City has improved its physician-patient partnership since it converted to a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) philosophy. “We want our patients to understand they are part of a team with their doctor,” said Andrea Wendling, M.D. When patients enter the clinic, they are greeted by an inviting atmosphere of warm colors and friendly welcomes. In the lobby, a large, brightly colored flip book introduces the patient to every person on their care team. “Patients are more engaged when they are an integral part of the team,” said Allyssa Mercer, RN, clinical manager. “The patients read the signs and know exactly what each team member is supposed to do, which holds us to a higher standard,” added Mercer.

Boyne Area Medical Center was designated as a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan PCMH in 2012. The process began in 2011 and was guided by Dave Nicholson, a consultant from the Medical Advantage Group (MAG), a healthcare consulting and management company that provides practice transformation services. “Medical Advantage Group believed we could do it,” said Wendling. “We’ve been very encouraged that their consultants continued to remain involved, even after we were designated. We never expected this level of service and support.”

“I’ve gotten better at using each team member’s skills,” said Wendling. “Before PCMH, as a physician, I felt like I needed to do everything for the patient. Now, I am more proactive in involving who I know can help. For example, for my diabetic patients, I’m much more apt to tell the patient, ‘a nurse will be calling you once a week to talk to you about your blood sugar numbers, and you’ll see the physician assistant in a month, and then see me in three months.’ Before, I would have had the patient back in to see me in a week or two.”

According to Wendling, patients seem to have a better acceptance of taking a more active role in their care since implementing the Patient-Centered Medical Home philosophy. They are also showing increased confidence in the Medical Center’s team, since they know they may speak with anyone on their care team and receive the correct answers, even when their doctor isn’t available.

“The PCMH philosophy of teamwork and fulfilling your role makes it harder for people and their care to fall through the cracks,” said Cassie Bellinger, quality specialist. “From a billing perspective, I’ve seen a vast improvement in what’s being documented in the chart,” said Bellinger. “All conditions and discussions are documented, showing important issues that should be focused on at the next visit. There is a lot more attention to detail, so that no matter who follows behind you (treating the patient), everybody knows what’s going on.”

As one of the requirements of Patient-Centered Medical Home, the Medical Center reserves a block of time for patients without appointments. “We really try harder to keep time available for walk-ins,” said Mercer. “Previously, our practice was booked by 10 a.m., forcing us to send patients to the Emergency Room or an Urgent Care. Now, by keeping open access and building our team, we have turned that around and we can see any patient who needs to be seen.” “This dramatic improvement has made our practice so much more patient-friendly and has off-loaded our nursing,” said Wendling. “It’s a better use of everybody’s time and patients are happier.”

If you would like to learn more about how the PCMH philosophy can improve your physician office experience, contact the Boyne Area Medical Center at (231) 582-5314.

Boyne City Main Street reflects on 10 years of progress, achievements

Main Street Manager Hugh Conklin

From the Petoskey News-Review: With music, food and lots of congratulations to go around, Boyne City Main Street invited the community to their 10th anniversary celebration in Old City Park on Wednesday. More than 500 people, young and old, attended the festivities, and listened to the roots music of Horton Creek. Kelly Larson, now a design services architect for Michigan Main Street, was the first Boyne City Main Street manager. She spoke fondly of her memories of how Boyne City made the Kansas girl feel welcome. “I don’t think I truly appreciated what was going on here 10 years ago,” Larson said. “Now, at the state, I have a much better appreciation for this community and the hard work that has gone into it. Boyne sets a high standard for every downtown in Michigan.” Brian Conway, Michigan Historic Preservation officer, pointed out that Boyne City has been accepted in the National Registry of Historic Places and received a governor’s award for its restoration of the 1910 Water Works Building. “We hold Boyne City as an example of what other communities can strive to become,” Conway said. Full story. Photos.

Bruce Janssen's work is a sign of functional art

From the Petoskey News-Review: Boyne City sign artist Bruce Janssen’s work and influence can be seen throughout Charlevoix and Emmet counties. His style is as varied as the customers’ desires, with each sign uniquely designed to enhance the client’s home or business, yet blend in with the surroundings. In Boyne City, where Janssen’s business The Wood Shop is located, virtually three-quarters of the signs are designed by him and the rest show his influence. Signs at Local Flavor, the Boyne Air Industrial Park and all the new businesses at the end of Water Street are his handiwork, including Café Sante and many others. In 2010, Boyne City’s Main Street Program was named one of the best in the state of Michigan, based in part on the downtown design. Janssen’s signs are an integral part of that downtown design. “Northwestern Michigan downtowns are known for their beauty,” Janssen said. “This is not only a function of good architecture and zoning laws and beautiful streetscape, but the signage has to enhance the businesses.”  Full story.  Photo gallery.

"Best of Boyne/Charlevoix" named by readers of Northern Express

Boyne area stores and restaurants did quite well in the Northern Express "Best of Northern Michigan" voting results. The photo below is "Eclectic Gift Store" winner Cindi Malin and her assistants Bob and Bing from CindiFranco's Cool Stuff. Here are the winners in the Boyne/Charlevoix division:

H A N G I N G O U T

All-round hangout: Cafe Sante
20-something hangout: Red Mesa Grill
Live music: Cafe Sante

Happy hour: Red Mesa Grill

Place to meet singles: Cafe Sante

Place for a first date: Sommerset Pointe Yacht Club

Hair Salon: Red Brick Salon

Spa services: Solace Spa @ Boyne Mountain

S H O P P I N G

Window displays: The Bird’s Nest

Place to pamper your pet: Northern Pet

Salon

Art gallery: Freshwater Studio

Athletic gear shop: No Boundaries

Place for chocolate: Alpine Chocolate Haus

Jewelry store: Beyond Borders

Eclectic Gift store: Cindi Franco’s Cool Stuff

D I N I N G

Restaurant staff: (Tie) Boyne River Inn and Cafe Sante

Healthiest restaurant: Red Mesa Grill

Lunch: Water Street Cafe

Bread/bakery store: Johann’s Breadbox Bakery

Bar food: Boyne River Inn

Breakfast: Water Street Cafe

Family restaurant: Red Mesa Grill

Gourmet restaurant: Grey Gables Inn

Pasta: Giuseppe’s Italian Grill

Mexican: Red Mesa Grill

Appetizers/small plates: (Tie) Morel’s Bistro - Shanahan’s Prime

Salads: Stafford’s Weathervane

Burger: The Villager Pub (Charlevoix)

Seafood: Grey Gables Inn

Steak: Stafford’s Weathervane

Outdoor deck scene: Shanahan’s Prime (Charlevoix Country Club)

New restaurant: Morel’s Bistro

Grain Train considers adding new store in BC; Open house here April 20

The Grain Train Natural Foods Market will host an open house informational meeting from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday, April 20, at 104 S. Park St. in downtown Boyne City. This is the location being considered by the Grain Train for a possible new store. "We'd like to get your input and gauge interest in a Grain Train store in downtown Boyne City," store officials said. They note that the Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce has started a petition to gather support; if you'd like to join more than 500 others and sign the petition, follow this link. If you would like to support this idea or have questions, stop by on April 20. The Grain Train will have staff on hand to answer questions and gather your input. There will be some potential floor layouts to look at, samples to try and membership information available. The Grain Train will also be at the Boyne Chamber Business Expo on April 25 from 3-7 p.m.

Taste of Boyne includes food, beer and wine tasting

This year's Taste of Boyne at the Boyne Area Chamber's Business Expo includes 13 food booths plus two for wine and beer tasting. For the admission price of $5, everyone attending the Expo receives a Taste Card giving them one taste at all 15 booths. Here are this year's tasty participants:

• Alpine Chocolat Haus
• Porter Creek Fish House at Sommerset Pointe
• Boyne Mountain Restaurants
• BC Pizza
• BCHS Team Hospitality
• Barrel Black Restaurant
• Charlevoix Country Club
• Farmhouse Flatbread & Cracker Co.
• Glen's Market
• The Grain Train
• Green Plate Catering
• The Jordan Inn
• Mackinaw Trail Winery
• Petoskey Brewing Company
• Spicy Bob's Italian Express

The Expo is presented by Northwestern Bank at the former Carter's Store, 1315 Boyne Ave. in Boyne City. Highlights include 1,300 fun-loving people, 95 booths, a bar with several varieties of Petoskey Brewing Co. beer and Michigan wines, great music from A+ Digital DJs, dozens of giveaways, and vehicles from 3 auto dealers. Exhibitor booths sold out three weeks before the event.
> List of exhibitors |  Expo website |  Photos