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Thursday, June 28, 2012

Article from Capital Gains Media by Jon Zemke

Here is a great article about how place and entrepreneurship are related.  Rogers City is a terrific place for a business owner/developer who is looking for a wonderful place to locate.  Of course your criteria is everything.  It depends on what you are looking for!  We have great Lake Huron views and beaches 200 yards from downtown.  Natural, nature, and more wonderful nature all around: two state parks within 5 miles, a dozen city parks and trails.   A first class marina with diving,  access to well-preserved shipwrecks, and ton's of other water fun/adventures. Our people are hard working and honest.  We have an intriguing history, access to arts and cultural events, and a fairly well-educated population.  Real estate is very resonably priced.  Also, Rogers City is very inclusive--a welcoming and friendly small town.  Rogers City might be the perfect place for an entrepreneur, like you.

How place impacts entrepreneurship

 
Detroit Venture Partners at the M@dison Building
Detroit Venture Partners at the M@dison Building
We set out with a few simple questions: how are business startups going from the idea phase to real action and implementation? How does place -- the physical location of this conversion of ideas into action -- have an impact on entrepreneurship? And where can we track this relatively new phenomena as it happens?

For this special report we picked Detroit, Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids and asked our writers to dig into these questions.

In Detroit, social entrepreurship is spreading like wildfire, but nowhere is it more visible than at downtown's M@dison building, a property developed by Dan Gilbert, founder of Quicken Loans, majority owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball franchise and, perhaps most important to this story, a principal in Detroit Venture Partners, a venture capital firm that funds start-up and early-stage technology companies in the city.

In Ann Arbor, we tightened the focus on where entrepreneurs really get social, and found it was at places like Cafe Zola and Tech Brewery. This in vivid contrast to where traditional dealmakers have met -- and still do in many places -- private country clubs. We were looking for inclusivity not exclusivity, and we found it.

In Grand Rapids, our search led to developer Sam Cummings, a pioneer in historic renovation and adaptive re-use of underperforming properties.

All three are examples of how entrepreneurial innovation is helping change the urban fabric of Michigan cities.

Our partner on this project is the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, or MSHDA.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

DNR Timber Sales

June 26, 2012

Contact: Keith Magnusson, 906-293-3293 ext. 4740 or Debbie Begalle, 517-335-3354

DNR announces second round of Duck Lake Fire timber sales

The Department of Natural Resources today announced that the first eight of 16 timber sales on state forest land in the Duck Lake Fire area were sold Friday, June 22, at a total value of $394,368.34. The minimum bid started at $1 per cord for all tree species, and the highest bid that day was $30 per cord for red pine on one particular salvage sale. The number of bidders on each sale varied from one to nine.   

DNR Forest Resources Division staff started to prepare areas for timber harvest as soon as conditions were deemed safe. It took just one week for a team of 20 to survey, paint sale boundaries and “cruise” (or estimate the timber volume) on 5,887 burned acres of state forest land.

Within the second week, the DNR reports that paperwork was completed for the first eight sales, and field work completed for the remaining 3,887 acres, which will be sold Friday, June 29, at the DNR’s Newberry field office, 5666 State Highway M-123.

That quick action was an attempt to make the timber available before trees lost further value through insect infestation. Even though the bark and some of the outer wood is charred, there is still solid, unburned wood in the center of the trees that can be utilized for sawing into lumber, or chipped and used to make plywood, oriented strand board or boiler fuel.

“Because we’re in a race with wood-boring beetles, the DNR recognized the importance of making this wood available quickly in order to give the logging community as much time as possible for harvesting,” said Bill O’Neill, acting state forester and chief of the DNR’s Forest Resources Division. “It’s important to make the best use of this burned timber; putting these salvage sales on the market helps to make that happen.” 

O'Neill said some portions of the fire area will not be harvested because they’re in state- or federally protected areas or inaccessible locations, or they include trees that are too small to be harvested economically. Such areas will be a benefit to some wildlife species that feed on the insects that invade burned trees.

Areas that don’t regenerate naturally through the seeds from remnant cones will be replanted with seedlings grown at the DNR’s Wyman Nursery in Manistique.

Questions about the timber sales should be directed to Keith Magnusson, manager of the Newberry Forest Management Unit, at 906-293-3293, ext. 4740.

For details about the upcoming timber salvage sales, visit www.michigan.gov/timber.


Monday, June 25, 2012

Elk Hunting


Press Release


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2012

Contact: Lisa Jackson, 517-373-1263 or Brent Rudolph, 517-641-4903

 

Results of elk drawing posted on DNR website

Results of the license drawing for the 2012 elk hunting seasons have been posted on the Department of Natural Resources website at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings.

Two elk seasons will be held in 2012. The first season will run from Aug. 28-31, Sept. 14-17 and Sept. 28-Oct. 1. The second season will run from Dec. 8-16. An additional season may be held Jan. 16-20, 2013, if the DNR determines the harvest is insufficient to meet management goals.

A total of 60 any-elk and 140 antlerless-only elk licenses have been issued through the drawing.

Hunters can increase their odds of getting an elk license by applying for the 2013 Pure Michigan Hunt drawing.  Each application is $4, and applicants can purchase as many chances as they like. Three lucky hunters will win a package of licenses to hunt elk, bear, turkey, antlerless deer and waterfowl. Only Michigan residents may hunt elk. Winning the Pure Michigan Hunt will not affect a hunter’s eligibility for future elk drawings and will not negate any weighted elk chances or bear preference points hunters have earned. Apply for the Pure Michigan Hunt at www.michigan.gov/puremichiganhunt or at a license agent.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

New State Directors for DNR and MDARD


LANSING, Mich. - Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the appointment of state Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Keith Creagh as director of the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and state Department of Environmental Quality's Policy and Legislative Affairs Director Jamie Clover Adams as MDARD director.

"Keith is a natural choice to become our next DNR director," Snyder said. "He has a strong understanding of Michigan's conservation, economic and environmental needs, vast experience and ability to bring people together, and a love of our state's great outdoors that will make for a seamless transition.

"Michigan's food and agriculture industry is one of the most important to our state's economy, and Jamie has the experience, knowledge and skills to provide the necessary leadership to assure Michigan food and agriculture continues to play a prominent role in our state's economic recovery. She will be an excellent director for MDARD. I thank them both for their willingness to serve."

Creagh has extensive management experience, including policy development, strategic planning and operational leadership. He has served as MDARD director since January 2011, and was director of industry affairs for the Neogen Corp. after serving for 30 years within the state department of agriculture. He holds a bachelor's degree in forestry from Michigan Technological University and is an avid outdoorsman.

"I am honored to serve as director of the Department of Natural Resources and to work with such a dedicated group of professionals," Creagh said. "I will strive to uphold the department's great standard of excellence and build upon its past successes. As a lifelong outdoor enthusiast, I understand the importance of the state's natural resources to Michigan citizens. Hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and other outdoor pursuits are not just hobbies in this state. They are a defining part of who we are as Michiganders."

Gordon Guyer, former director of both DNR and the Department of Agriculture, called Creagh's appointment "outstanding."

"I've had the privilege of working with Keith both as Ag director and as a Neogen board member. He is uniquely qualified for this position and I can't think of a better fit to take the helm at DNR," Guyer said. "He has a tremendous ability to take a tough issue and build consensus. Keith's passion for our natural resources, tourism and agriculture industries will help us revitalize and reinvent Michigan."

Clover Adams replaces Creagh, after having served as the state Department of Environmental Quality's Policy and Legislative Affairs director since 2011.

She said it's a great opportunity to support the governor's agriculture agenda.

"I am honored to serve the people of Michigan and am anxious to get to work to meet Gov. Snyder's goals for agriculture," Clover Adams said. "We will strive to double our exports, work to significantly increase farm verifications and help grow the value chain from farm to fork."

Clover Adams has decades of experience both in working with the agriculture industry and in legislative policy development, notably serving as secretary of the Kansas state Department of Agriculture from 1999-2003. Before joining DEQ, she was deputy chief of staff to Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville, and served as director of the Senate Majority Policy Office before that. Clover Adams was raised on a farm in Michigan, and holds a master's in public policy from Georgetown University and a bachelor's in general studies from the University of Michigan.

"Jamie has great vision and leadership capacity," Creagh said. "Her experience makes her well suited to become MDARD's next director."

Note: both of these positions are very important for Rogers City and Presque Isle County. 


Creagh fills the vacancy of outgoing DNR director Rodney Stokes, who was recently named by Snyder as special adviser for city placemaking, where he will work to help cities become more vibrant and inviting by enhancing their existing resources.



Both appointments are effective July 9.


Monday, June 18, 2012

1000 Mile Great Lakes Walk

I want to share this posting from Cindy Vezinau:


We have a really cool visiter coming our way.  Loreen is an author walking the great lakes shores.   My hopes are she will write about our wonderful city and the purpose of Purple Martin.  She will arrive on Tuesday evening and will be here all day Wednesday, leaving on Thursday morning.  This is very exciting.  She is walking the 1,000 miles of our great lakes.

-Loreen Niewenhuis

A 1000-Mile Great Lakes Walk



Additionally, I am working with WJR to try and bring then to Rogers City next year for their summer tour.  If anyone would like to assist in that effort, I would really appreciate it.

Go Rogers City!!!

Cindy Vezinau

Cindy, this is great stuff--thanks for sharing.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Lake Huron Fishery Advisory Committee Meeting



Lake Huron Citizens Fishery Advisory Committee
Established by the Department of Natural Resources to improve and maintain fishery resources

of Lake Huron through better communication and partnership.

Lake Huron Citizens Fishery Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Ram Conference Center

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Dear Lake Huron Citizens Fishery Advisory Committee Members and Others:

A Lake Huron Citizens Fishery Advisory Committee Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center located along Higgins Lake near
Roscommon Michigan. The meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude by 3:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided. Attached are the agenda and the approved minutes from the last meeting.  As we discussed at our last meeting, we will focus on both the Atlantic salmon rearing study and cisco restoration. During the morning, Dr. Ron Kinnunen from Michigan Sea Grant will discuss cisco egg take and fertilization for culture at distant locations and provide an overview of the various cisco morphotypes available from Lake Superior. Dr. Kim Scribner, Professor at Michigan State University, will then present a summary of the genetic considerations when selecting a broodstock for cisco restoration in Lake Huron. An hour will then be provided for questions, comments and discussion by the members and the others present.

Shortly before and immediately after lunch, Management and Law Enforcement updates will be given by Todd Grischke, Jim Baker, Dave Borgeson, Larry Desloover and Craig Milkowski.  Beginning at 1:00 p.m., Ed Eisch, Platte River State Fish Hatchery manager, will present an update on the Atlantic salmon rearing study and Dave Borgeson, Northern Lake Huron Management Unit Supervisor will discuss the work of the Internal Atlantic Salmon Working Group. Again, an hour will then be provided for questions, comments and discussions by members and the others present.

Todd Grischke, Lake Huron Basin Coordinator, will conclude the meeting with a Fisheries
Division budget update and an overview of the progress being made with the strategic planning process. Declining revenues are bringing about many new challenges and changes will be needed to deal with this problem.

Please plan on attending and participating at the meeting since your input is very important.
We have set aside nearly half of the meeting for comments and discussion so this is an
excellent opportunity to voice your ideas and to ask questions.

Best Regards,

Todd Grischke and Frank Krist, Chair

Lake Huron Basin Coordinator Lake Huron Citizens Fishery Advisory Committee

517-373-6762 989-734-3100 and 989-351-2053

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Thank You for City Volunteers and Donations

I am humbled by the great generousity and giving nature of the citizens of this community.  So far this year the outpouring of giving of time, talent, and money is absolutely amazing!

There has been so much done by volunteers, I'm sure I will not capture all of it.  Below is a partial list.  Also, a one line entry is certainly not a complete description of all the work or value that went into each of these items.  For anyone who is not mentioned below, please forgive. 

On behalf of the Rogers City area community, thanks to everyone who has given to make this community better!

Netta's--for flowers donated
White Pines Garden--for flowers donated
Ellen Planck--for collecting donations for hanging flower baskets in the downtown
All those who donated--for the hanging flower baskets
The Baptist Church of Rogers City--for watering the hanging flower baskets
Beth and John Budnick and Mary Sue Wozniak--for the Mariner's Mall Garden
Kiwanis Club (Don Scheadig and others)--for the flowers on the Avenue of Flags
Ruth Wright for assembling over 100 packets of information for boaters at the Marina
The "Wacky Weeders"--for the great flower beds planted in all the City Parks
The Optismist Club--for improvements to South Shore Park playground and clearing brush
The Little League Association--for improvements to the Little League Fields
Those who donated money and trees to the "City of Parks and Trails"
The Harbor Advisory Commission--for loads of help with the Marina
The Parks and Recreation Commission--for serving and special projects
The Design Committee--for serving and special projects
The Growth Committee--for serving and special projects
Rachel Goodstein--for a press release and press kits
The Safe Routes to School Team--for serving and special projects
The Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals--for serving
The City Council--for serving and so much more!
The Rogers City Housing Commission--for serving and making Hilltop Manor a great place
The Community Development Authority--for serving and improvements to the downtown
Annonymous donations made to the Marina--Thank you!
The Friends of Arts and Crafts in the Park--for the Spring Fest on June 9, 2012
Richard Warwick--for the City-wide Garage Sales on June 8 and 9, 2012
The Nauti Kruzers Car Club--for the "Cabin Fever Car Show" on May 19, 2012
Cindy Vezinau and her whole crew of helpers--for Martin Mania May 24-26, 2012
The VFW Post--for the Memorial Day Parade
The Rogers City Area Chamber of Commerce and Katie Haywood--for the Summer Concerts

Last but not least, the Nautical City Festival Committee--for a ton of planning and effort going into making this year's festival a special celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Calcite Quarry.  This Nautical City Festival, July 31 to August 5, 2012, is going to be special! 

Thanks to everyone for helping to make this a great community! 

Monday, June 11, 2012

Pure Michigan

Here is the lastest from the Pure Michigan Campaign:

News from Travel Michigan's Director, George Zimmermann


The last two weekends offered excellent opportunities to expand the national reach of our Pure Michigan branding and advertising as Michigan hosted both the Senior PGA Championship at Benton Harbor and the Chevrolet Belle Isle Grand Prix in Detroit.  Pure Michigan commercials aired nationally during the coverage of both these events, augmenting the "beauty shots" and positive commentary about both locations during their national television broadcasts.  Pure Michigan branding also was visible along the race track at the Grand Prix.

The most recent data from Smith Travel Research shows that Michigan's hotel occupancy rate through the end of April was 49.3%, up 3.3% from the same period in 2011.  RevPAR (revenue per available hotel room) was $38.74, up 6.5% from the first four months of 2011.

Given the recent drop in gas prices and the early summer feedback from many in the tourism industry around the state, we are optimistic Michigan will have a strong summer season.  At the end of the summer, we'd be interested in any data you are willing to share, comparing this summer to 2011 and prior years.  We are particularly interested in your results regarding out-of-state visitors, both from the region (Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and southern Ontario) and beyond, since we are running both regional and national advertising campaigns. 

Rogers City is a great destination for your summer travel plans. 

Tuesday, June 5, 2012


   City Wide Garage Sales are On

    in Rogers City!
   Friday and Saturday - June 8th and 9th, 2012
     9am- 4pm
        
 
             Call  Richard Warwick at 989-306-2535
        Maps will be available at the
           Chamber of Commerce


New Businesses in Rogers City

Many efforts and plans are coming together in Rogers City this year.  This is the 100th anniversary of the Calcite Limestone Quarry.  The quarry has another 100 years of mineral reserves at the current level of extraction.  It and the deep water "Port of Calcite," and all the other natural resources located here are tangible assets that will power economic growth over time.

However, due to technology, the number of jobs related to the quarry and freighters (shipping the mineral out) has been greatly reduced over the past decades.  The number of jobs in our community lost due to technological improvements alone has been estimated at almost 1,000. This reduction of jobs, along with other economic and demographic changes, has resulted in a decline in population in our community.  Going from a high of almost 5,000 people in the 1960's, the 2010 census shows a population of about 2,837. 

The lost jobs and population coupled with the recent economic crisis have hit the business community hard.  Many businesses have closed.  Many business owners are struggling.  For a time, the community was hoping for a new power plant to step in and create many new jobs.  For better or worse this has not happened.

In spite of, or perhaps because of, the doom and gloom, the situation seems to be changing.  New businesses are springing up!  Jean's Gift and Card Shop just opened.  Chicory Cafe is now open.  A new athletic club may open in the Fall.  Other developments are in the works and may be announced soon.  There are real economic opportunities available in Rogers City. 

Also, many wonderful people continue to work and to volunteer, making Rogers City a great place to live in and to visit.  This year's Nautical City Festival promises to be the best ever!

To those who are on the sidelines, now is the time to step forward and make Rogers City the place you want it to be.

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