Business After Hours

Every one wants to see our economy pick up!  But, what can we do to make this happen?  Here is one way!

The Rogers City Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting "Business After Hours," Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at the District Library beginning with refreshments at 5pm and the E-Smart Technology presentation at 5:30pm in the Constance Jordan room. There is no cost to attend, and we hope business owners and the general public will take an hour to learn about the newest technology at the Library. The E-Smart Center will give you the ability to reach out and "touch" global markets today!

Come to "Business After Hours."  You might learn how to improve your business.  You might learn about advanced technology to simplify running your business. 

What do you have to lose?  Invest 30 minutes in your future.  This might be the best investment you make in 2011.  

You are welcome to join us at the Rogers City Branch of the Presque Isle District Library.  I hope to see you there.

Light Up the City

Light Up the City is November 23, 2011

 A parade through the downtown begins at 5 p.m. and Santa lights the trees in Westminster Park at 6 p.m. The "Light Up the City" event is sponsored by the Optimist Club of Rogers City.  You may donate a lighted tree to the project with your personal message for $40.  This is a fund raiser for the Optimists as well as a great community attraction.  It's not too late to sponsor and decorate a tree! The "Parade of Lights" will start and the Water's Edge and go through downtown to Westminster Park.  If you want to participate, please call the Rogers City Area Chamber of Commerce.  Call 734-2535 for more info.

Shop Locally to Help Your Community

Based on a statistical model:
Spend $100 locally, $62 stays right in your community
Spend that same $100 in a national chain, only $42 stays in your community
Spend that same $100 on-line, $0 is returned to your community

You amy not find everything that you want locally, but you can find everything that you need.

Check with the Rogers City Area Chamber of Commerce to locate a business that offers the goods or services that you are seeking. 

Michigan State Park System Best in the Nation

A longtime leader in outdoor recreation, Michigan can now officially boast being No. 1, receiving the 2011 National Recreation and Park Association Gold Medal for the top state park system in the nation.

The award, given for excellence in planning and long-range resource management, recognizes Michigan’s innovative Recreation Passport program and the creative strategic planning the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Parks and Recreation Division has done to deliver a high quality customer experience to every state park visitor.

Michigan’s 99 state park and recreation areas are popular destinations for residents and visitors alike, and help make the quality of life in the state unbeatable.  The state parks offer 22 million annual visitors access to more than 13,000 campsites, trails, inland lakes, rivers and the Great Lakes.

They are also a key partner in the state’s Pure Michigan tourism effort – which last year helped to generate $17.2 billion dollars create an estimated 152,600 jobs statewide.

Governor Rick Snyder has appointed a Blue Ribbon Panel on Michigan State Parks and Outdoor Recreation to guide the state park system in the future.

“This award is a credit to the people of Michigan,” said Michigan Governor Rick Snyder. “For more than 90 years, Michiganders have realized that these unique areas are an integral part of the cultural enhancement, economic enrichment and overall quality of life that we value. Our parks are what we make of them and the people of this state clearly prize these treasures. I commend the DNR for its outstanding stewardship of these resources and look forward to working with all stakeholders so that we have a parks system that serves our state and its visitors for generations to come.”

Michigan beat out North Carolina, Florida and Missouri for the top honor.  In addition to the Recreation Passport, the state parks recreation initiatives include Recreation 101 programs, ongoing efforts to make state parks more accessible for all visitors and alternative lodging and green initiatives.

A local note:  Harry Whitely, who is being honored Saturday night, November 5, 2011 at the Annual Dinner of the Rogers City Area Chamber of Commerce, has long been a key factor in the Michigan DNR, as a Board Member and strong Champion for State Parks and Trails.  This national recognition of the quality of Michigan's Park system can be attributed, at least in part, to Harry's leadership and vision.  If you have not already done so, please consider purchasing a ticket to the annual dinner in honor of Harry Whitely and his many contributions to our community and our State Parks.

For more information on state parks in Michigan, go to www.michigan.gov/stateparks.

Double Handed Race

Yesterday, 28 sailboats sailed in to Rogers City's Marina. Trophies were issued to the winners. The Double Handed Sailing Association named Rogers City a "Friend of Doublehanded Sailing" and gave us a trophy! Many thanks to the Rogers City Area Chamber of Commerce, Plath's Meats, and all the sponsors for a great event showing one of our best community assets: sailing on Lake Huron from our Marina.

Family Fun Day--July 2, 2011

Family Fun Day is coming to Rogers City on Saturday, July 2, 2011. This is a day at Lakeside Park filled with great activities for everyone, especially for young people. Don't forget the great Fireworks display after dark!

Chamber of Commerce Dinner

The Rogers City Area Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual dinner at 5:30 pm, Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at the Senior Center. 

There will be door prizes, raffles, and Mike Ridley will provide the evening's entertainment.

Cocktails at 5:30 pm (BYOB) and dinner at 6:30 pm.  Tickets are $25 per person.

Support our Chamber of Commerce--they do a lot for this community!!! 

Come on out for an evening of fun, fellowship, and great entertainment.

Hentkowski Funeral Home Ribbon Cutting

The Rogers City Area Chamber of Commerce will conduct a ribbon cutting ceremony to welcome the Hentkowski Funeral Home to our community. The ribbon cutting will take place on Sunday, March 7th at 3:00 pm at the Funeral Home, located across from the Presque Isle County Road Commission Building on US 23 next to Airport Drive.  On behalf of the Chamber and the City, Dave Snow and invite everyone to welcome Laura and Matt and wish them success.

While you are there, you will want to check out the wonderful new building that they have created.  At a construction and furnishing cost of over $1,000,000, this is the most beautiful new building in Rogers City for many years.  It is a vision of good things to come for our community!

On behalf of Rogers City, thanks to the Hentkowsky Family for investing in our community!

Family Fun Day Big Hit

Rogers City had big fun at Family Fun Day! A large turn out brought well over 1,000 visitors to our city of 3,322 residents on the lovely shores of Lake Huron. The Chamber of Commerce did a superb job, as always, and there were plenty of activities for young and old alike. The weather was wonderful too.

At 2 and 3 pm, at the City Band Shell, a group of about 12 young people, called the Silent Singers, sponsored by Paul and Sally Warwick, performed inspirational songs using sign language. They did an amazing and inspirational job!

Starting at 7 pm, Chasin Steel, performed accoustical favorities for nearly three hours!

Of course, all the traditional fun activities such as giant slides, face painting, and balloons were available for the kids. The Fire Department was out in force, showing off some of their new equipment.

Noble Morris brought out his Hot Dog Wagon, and along with long-time RC favorites the Kiwanis Fish Shack and The Pavilion Grill (yum, all the greek flavor) there was no lack for great food. As with all family fun, day quickly faded to evening, and then the fire works began!

It has been reported that this was the BEST EVER fireworks, thanks to generous gifts from Careuse Lime and Stone and other sponsors.

Thanks to the Rogers City Area Chamber of Commerce, all the sponsors, and all the great folks who made this event a big success!

Watch for posts of photos and video clips from Family Fun Day, right here on my blog.

If you liked Family Fun Day, come to the Nautical City Festival, Aug 4-9, 2009. This year's Nautical City Festival is going to be an unforgetable experience!

Summer Concert Series

This year the Rogers City Area Chamber of Commerce is managing the Rogers City Summer Concert Series. Dave Snow, Executive Director for the Chamber of Commerce, has put a lot of time and effort into making this year a great season for the Concert Series. The schedule is at

Summer%20Concert%20Series%20Schedule%202009.doc

Enjoy the free concerts! Don't forget to thanks Dave!

From the Rogers City Area Chamber of Commerce:

1.) Please join Bill and Barb Vansteenis from the Black Bear Cafe as they sponsor the Nauti Kruzers "Cabin Fever" Car Show. The Show will take place on Saturday, May 16th at the Mariners Mall in downtown Rogers City. Times are from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm. Registration is from 10:00 am to 12 noon. Pre-registration before May 9th is only $10.00 and registration on the day of the show is $13.00. All makes and models are welcome. Trophies will be awarded at 3:00 pm. Lunch will be available at the Black Bear Cafe for purchase.

2.) The Chamber will sponsor our annual Spring Festival which includes City-wide garage sales and an Arts & Crafts Show and Downtown Sale Days. We would like our area businesses to start to plan and think about special sales, service and product promotions, or other special incentives that you could offer your customers. The garage sales and craft show will bring many shoppers into our community. The craft show is now a two day event which is designed to encourage craft show participants to visit our community. The garage sales are scheduled for June 12 the and 13th. The Craft Show at Westminster Park is scheduled for June 13th and 14th. Times are from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm for both events. If your business would like to appear on our garage sale map the cost is only $12.00. We anticipate printing and distributing 1200 maps. The maps designate the location of all the City-wide garage sales. This is a very inexpensive way to advertise.

3.) There will be a National Day of Prayer Community Gathering at the County Courthouse on Thursday, May 7th from 12:15 pm until 12:45 pm. The Ministerial Association reminds us that all are welcome to verbally or silently participate in this public gathering to pray for our nation, our State, and our community and all our leaders. Please take into consideration requests by any employees who might want to spend a lunch break at the Courthouse to participate. Thank You!

David M. Snow, Executive Director
Rogers City Area Chamber of Commerce, 292 S Bradley Highway, Rogers City, MI 49779

(989) 734-2535 , (800) 622-4148
rcchamber@lhi.netwww.rogerscity.com

Summer Concert Series

Spring is here, so get ready for the summer! This summer, the Rogers City Summer Concert Series will be better than ever, thanks to the great work of Dave Snow, Executive Director of the Rogers City Area Chamber of Commerce. Dave has taken on the challenge of putting together this year's program. He is going a terrific job, raising funds and booking talent. Since the schedule is not completely final, I'll leave the announcement to Dave; however, plan your summer schedule now, so you can make all the concerts on Friday night in June and July. The setting by the Marina is great, and we hope to see you there for some good times and good tunes!

Spring is Here: Golf Course Open!

GOOD NEWS!

The Rogers City Country Club
Is open for the season

Give them a call

734-4909

Information Provided by Dave Snow, Rogers City Chamber of Commerce