Mission Statement
Grayling Regional Chamber of Commerce is the business & community advocate of Crawford County, focusing on the protection & advancement of economic & business development, community image, natural resources & quality of life in the region.
Weekly Chamber E-Newsletter
In January of 2010, the Chamber began sending out a weekly newsletter via email to our distribution list which includes all Chamber Members and other residents and visitors who wish to be updated on upcoming events and community news. If you are interested in receiving this weekly newsletter, please contact Traci Cook at the Chamber at
989-348-2921 or executivedirector@graylingchamber.com
Daily Updates on Chamber Website
Please visit our website at www.graylingchamber.com to view upcoming events & community news. The Chamber is dedicated to making this website as user friendly as possible. If you have any suggestions or recommendations on what you would like to see on this website, please contact us at 989-348-2921 or info@graylingchamber.com.
Radio Spots / Weekly Calendar of Events
Record weekly events calendar with Blarney Stone Broadcasting (Grayling) and do weekly live interviews with Eagle Radio (Gaylord) on upcoming Chamber and community events.
Continuing Education & Networking
Attend conferences, symposiums, & quarterly meetings to network, share ideas & learn from other Chamber Directors.
Seminars & Workshops
The Chamber holds seminars and workshops throughout the year for our Members & area businesses to help with business development.
Ambassadors Club
The Ambassadors Club is designed to be the arm of the Chamber who helps at fundraising events, sponsors the “Spotlight-a-Member” program, organizes “Coffee Hour”, and makes member visits. The goal is to have a Club that actively works hand-in-hand with the Grayling Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. The Ambassadors meet the first Wednesday of every month at 7:30am (location rotates between different Chamber restaurants).
Spotlight-A-Member
Each month, a Chamber Member is randomly drawn to be spotlighted for that month. The Ambassadors and members from the Chamber Board make a surprise visit to the business location and present the member with a certificate and baked goods donated by Goodale’s Bakery. The member then completes an interview questionnaire telling us a little bit about the history of their company and an article is put into the Avalanche and on our website & newsletter.
Ribbon Cuttings / Grand Openings / Groundbreakings
Helping new businesses or current businesses with Ribbon Cuttings, Grand Openings/Grand Re-Openings & Groundbreakings. Ambassadors and Board Members also attend.
Welcome Wagon
New in 2012 – The Ambassadors and members from the Chamber Board welcome new businesses in town by presenting them with a “Welcome Basket” filled with information and goodies from different Chamber Members who have donated to the basket. Items include gift certificates, brochures, coupons, coffee mugs, notepads, pens)
Coffee Hours
A chance for a Chamber Member business to invite local business owners and residents to their business to stop in for coffee, networking with your fellow business members, and to find out what they have to offer to.
______________________________________
Business After Hours
Business After Hours is an opportunity for Chamber Members to host/co-host an after hours event where they can share information about their business(es) and enjoy dinner while networking with their fellow business members. 50/50 Raffle, Door Prizes, Food, Networking & More!
Entry Fee – $5 cost for Members / $10 cost for Not-Yet Members.
2013 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS SCHEDULED
January 31, 2013 – Chamber Awards Night at Mainstream Steak & Ribs sponsored by Banks of Grayling
March 7, 2013 – Regional Business After Hours at Kirtland Community College
April 25, 2013 – BUSINESS EXPO at the old Hometown Furniture Building
May 16, 2013 – Co-Sponsored by Dynamic Physical Therapy & The Medicine Shoppe at Dynamic PT
June 13, 2013 – Regional Business After Hours at Forest Dunes Golf Club
October 17, 2013 – Sponsored by NCACU (location TBD)
November 21, 2013 – Sponsored by/at Russell Cellular
December 2013 – Holiday After Hours sponsored by Grayling Chamber at AuSable Artisan Village Art Gallery
______________________________________________
Center of Excellence
The Grayling Chamber has recently been set up at a Center of Excellence. This is a program through the MI-SBTDC where the Chamber has been designated as a point of contact for those wishing to open up a new business or for current business owners to receive free counseling on their current business.
____________________________________________________
ANNUAL EVENTS
(Sponsorship Opportunities)
Business Expo
April 25, 2013 – Old Hometown Furniture Building
A venue where local businesses can display & share their products/services with other local businesses, community members and visitors.
Annual Chamber Golf Outing
September 26, 2013 – Forest Dunes Golf Club
The Chamber will hold their 5th Annual Golf Outing in 2013.
4-Person Scramble with 50/50 Raffle, contests & prizes and a delicious dinner.
AuSable River Festival Events Hosted by Chamber
Kid’s Day – Tuesday, July 23, 2013
H.U.P. Race – Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Cruise Night – Friday, July 26, 2013
Arts & Crafts Show – Friday & Saturday, July 26 & 27, 2013
Food Court – Saturday, July 27, 2013
Classic Car Show – Saturday, July 27, 2013