News Release: 3/31/2026
“Thinking about renting your home in Bellaire or Torch Lake? We help owners maximize bookings, handle everything, and create 5 guest experiences.” #BellaireMI #TorchLakeMI #AntrimCounty #VacationRentalOwner #STRowner #AirbnbHost #PropertyManagement #VacationRentalManagement #RentalIncome #PassiveIncomeProperty #MichiganPropertyManagement
Before You Launch in Antrim County: Writing a Business Plan That Works
A business plan is a document that defines what your business does, who it serves, how it makes money, and what it will need to grow. Peer-reviewed research found entrepreneurs who write formal plans are 16% more likely to succeed than otherwise identical entrepreneurs who skip that step. For business owners across Elk Rapids, Bellaire, Central Lake, and the wider Antrim County area, the question isn't whether to write one — it's which format fits your stage and what to actually put in it.What Kind of
MURDER MYSTERY DINNER FUNDRAISER TO SUPPORT LOCAL FAMILIES FACING CRITICAL NEEDS
Community members are invited to step into the Wild West and help solve a “Murder at the Golden Kettle Saloon” during The Salvation Army of Petoskey’s interactive murder mystery dinner on Saturday, May 16th. The event will take place at The Salvation Army Community Center, 2350 Mitchell Park Drive. Doors open at 5:30 PM, and the show begins at 6:00 PM.Proceeds from the evening will support essential Salvation Army programs providing food, rent, utility assistance, and other vital resources to neighbors in
FREE Boater Safety Course & Certification
Antrim County Sheriff's OfficeodSpnsteorgtataat121mch242luc141:PM9atc3 t0t9t2 2 h3t0rit6M · FREE Boater Safety Course & Certification – Antrim County Sheriff’s Office The Antrim County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol is offering a FREE Boater Safety Course and Exam as part of the:“2026 Boat Smart, Boat Safe, Boat Legal” Training InitiativeStudents who successfully complete the course and exam will receive their Boating Safety Certificate (BSC). This course, exam, and certification are provided at no cost
G.T. Butterfly House & Bug Zoo Announces 2026 Season Grand Opening
The G.T. Butterfly House & Bug Zoo will welcome visitors back for its 2026 season beginning May 1, offering self-guided, family-friendly experiences that celebrate the beauty, diversity, and importance of arthropods, more well known as, 'bugs.' Located at 8840 M-72 East in Williamsburg, just one mile east of the Casino, the attraction will be open daily from 10am to 4:30pm. Guests can step into a lush Tropical Butterfly Garden, where hundreds of exotic butterflies fly freely among the blooming flowers.
Consumers Energy: Help for Winter Bills Available for Customers in Northern Michigan Counties
Consumers Energy: Help for Winter Bills Available for Customers in Northern Michigan Counties CHEBOYGAN, Mich., March 3, 2026 – Consumers Energy is letting customers in nine Northern Michigan counties know that assistance to help them stay safe, comfortable, and warm is available today.The nonprofit Superior Watershed Partnership is enrolling eligible customers today in Consumers Energy’s CARE program, which helps households stay on top of their energy bills. The program is one of several ways Consumers
Adapting and Thriving: Smart Ways for Small Businesses to Navigate Change
Running a small business means adapting constantly — new tools, new markets, new people, and sometimes, entirely new ways of operating. The hardest part isn’t launching the change; it’s leading people through it. Whether you’re shifting your business model or introducing a new system, success depends on clarity, structure, and trust.Key Takeaways for Change Leaders Define a clear purpose for every change before communicating it. Involve your team early — ownership breeds alignment. Keep communication
Struggle Less, Show Up More: Smart Marketing with Small Business AI Tools
In the whirlwind of running a small business, marketing often becomes the first thing to get squeezed. Time is tight, teams are small, and standing out can feel like yelling into a void. But AI? It’s no longer just the playground of massive tech firms. It’s here, it’s affordable, and it’s working overtime to make smart marketing less of a grind and more of a game-changer.Create More Without Working More You don’t need a 10-person creative team to produce content that lands anymore. Once you start
Building Smart, Sustainable Startups: Cutting Costs Without Cutting Corners
You don’t need deep pockets to build a strong business foundation — you need sharp planning. Focus on what adds value, automate the rest, and use community, co-ops, and clever legal setups to stay compliant and credible from day one.The Art of Lean Without the Cheap Launching a business in the Elk Rapids area (or anywhere, really) comes with a universal truth: every dollar counts. But cutting costs doesn’t mean cutting corners. It means trading waste for wisdom. Think of cost control as design thinking
Building Local Business Resilience: Smart Growth Strategies for Entrepreneurs in Elk Rapids
The Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce has long been a hub for local innovation — and the entrepreneurs who drive it. Whether you’re opening a café downtown or scaling a tech venture on the bay, success isn’t just about hustle; it’s about designing growth that lasts. TL;DR Success for small businesses in Elk Rapids depends on three things: Understanding your market and community deeply. Investing in systems that scale (from marketing to invoicing). Building relationships — not just
Starting a Business? 10 Rookie Errors That Can Derail Your Success
Starting a small business is one of the most rewarding journeys an entrepreneur can take — but also one filled with hidden pitfalls. Many new owners struggle not because their ideas lack merit, but because they underestimate the systems, structures, and habits required for sustainable growth. This guide will walk you through the most common mistakes small business owners make — and, more importantly, how to avoid them. 1. Neglecting Legal and Administrative Foundations The excitement of launching a
Small Moves, Big Loyalty: How Small Businesses Win Trust Daily
Customer engagement is about showing up in ways that feel personal, timely, and real. It’s not a numbers game—it’s a recognition game. People stay where they feel seen. They notice when you remember their name, their order, the thing they mentioned offhand last time. In an environment built to rush, slowing down to notice someone is magnetic. There’s no one-size-fits-all script. The best engagement moves are quiet, specific, and often invisible from the outside—but unforgettable from
