Greater Ishpeming-Negaunee Chamber of Commerce - Economic Growth

Without a doubt, it’s been one of the most challenging times for businesses and organizations. We are all looking forward to regaining footing and getting back to business as normal.

Looking back, most businesses and organizations have survived the pandemic. Either by cutting operational expenses, getting creative with offerings, or a combination of both.

Talk to anyone and I think we all agree it hasn’t been easy. Even with an unprecedent influx of Federal money into the economy, businesses have faced challenges equal to or greater than the Great Recession. Taking a straw poll from our membership has been a mixed bag.

Some businesses have come out ahead of expectations while others, especially the food and hospitality industry, have been up-ended and struggling.

My feeling is that we’re not experiencing an economic recession, but rather a social recession with economic fallout.

Moving forward, it appears we’ll be returning to the “normal” by the end of 2021. We’re not there yet, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. And as we do move forward there will be a times where portions of our society will be ready to charge ahead while others will want to put the brakes on.

It’s finding the balance to this social recession and working through it as a chamber of commerce to re-engage with our communities.

One thing we’ve learned through the past twelve months is a chamber of commerce is a conduit to other businesses, organizations and services geared to keeping businesses in business and supporting our local economy. We don’t have all the answers or solutions but can put our members in touch with someone who does.

Back in the day, people used to be able to dial 0 on their rotary phone and ask for information you need. The internet has replaced that service, but if you don’t know what to search for it can be a struggle to find the information. The GINCC is your source for information. If we don’t know the answer, we have the time to search and look it up while our members focus on what they need to do to keep their business going.

The GINCC has been part of our community for 10 years now and our membership allows us to continue to support and promote businesses on the West End of Marquette County. Currently, we have around 200 members in good standing and GREATER ISHPEMING-NEGAUNEE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BY BOB HENDRICKSON, GINCC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 12 would like to see that grow to 250 by the end of 2021.

The GINCC was integral in 2020 with providing up-to-date information to our business community of Federal CARES programs that have kept many small businesses solvent due to COVID restrictions.

We were also able to provide safe community activities by coordinating outdoor events with COVID prevention protocols in place. In addition, we have assisted our membership with employment needs and community awareness.

Our mission: “Dedicated to building great businesses, great neighborhoods and great places to experience Western Marquette County.” During this time of uncertainty, we want to assure you that our mission is the same, but how we go about fulfilling it is evolving.

We are a member driven organization that bridges businesses with the community, champions who buy local philosophy, promotes the West End of Marquette County as a whole to visit, live and explore, along with embracing the historical roots that make this area great.

Here at GINCC we’re also looking forward to the opportunities ahead. Renewing partnerships with member businesses, welcoming new members and sharing success stories while working on solutions to local challenges. We look forward to lining up a series of Business After Hours (BAH) when the time comes. The first gathering will most likely take place in an outdoor setting.

We encourage fellow business owners, community members and leaders to attend when the time comes to discover what the West End offers. Typically hosted by a member business, BAHs offer a chance to network with other business owners and community members. Most importantly they are open to the public and very welcoming to all.

In addition to BAHs, the GINCC hosts ribbon cuttings, open houses and additional special events to provide media exposure and recognition for chamber members. Typically, ribbon cuttings are associated with an opening of a new business but have evolved into a special events to celebrate milestones, new avenues of venture and business owner changes. These are free of cost to chamber members and offers an excellent opportunity to obtain public recognition.

We have good working relations with several media, economic and community organizations that are dedicated to building economy and community. We connect our membership with these resources and promote the importance of supporting our local businesses.

To learn more about the GINCC, visit our website at www.gincc.org, give us a call or stop in. Office hours are 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday. Please call ahead to confirm a visit, 906-486-1111.