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Alliance Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

About the Alliance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Welcome from our Chairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Policy Priorities and Framework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

COVID-19 Advocacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Reopening Advocacy and Legislative Advocacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Focusing on Rural and Growing the Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Keeping Businesses Informed and Vision for 2021. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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“The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance has been an e�ective tool to allow the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce to join with its northern Michigan partners to make sure the Alpena business community and

northern Michigan are a part of the larger conversation in Lansing and Washington D.C.” - Adam Poll, President & CEO, Alpena Chamber of Commerce

“The advocacy the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance provides for the Cadillac region is critical, because it connects us with a broader regional business coalition. Together, as a collective e�ort, our over

7,000 member businesses have a voice that is unmatched with the expertise, leadership and guidance provided by the Alliance.” - Caitlyn Berard, President, Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce

“The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance is a strong advocacy partner of the Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce. Together we are changing the way our state leaders think and bringing more focus on

northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. We work together solving the challenges of our region.” - Paul Gunderson, Executive Director, Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce

“Our involvement in the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance puts Charlevoix on the advocacy map; without our partnership in the Alliance coalition, our Charlevoix area businesses would be at a

disadvantage when it comes to legislative needs and action. Coming together as a Chamber of 400 businesses gives us a voice, but amplifying that to the over 7,000 member businesses represented by the

Alliance gives us a fair seat at the table with the rest of the state. That value is immeasurable when it comes to the work we do for our Charlevoix businesses.”

- Sarah Hagen, President, Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce

“The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance has provided an exceptional value to our members in the area of legislative advocacy. They have given us a voice in Lansing and beyond that would otherwise not exist.”

- Rick Coates, Former Executive Director, Benzie County Chamber of Commerce

PARTNERS Alpena Chamber of Commerce

Benzie County Chamber of Commerce

Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce

Charlevoix Area Chamber of Commerce

Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce

Lake Superior Community Partnership

Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce

Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce

Traverse Connect

ASSOCIATE PARTNERS Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce

Harbor Springs Chamber of Commerce

East Jordan Chamber of Commerce

Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce

Sault Area Chamber of Commerce

Leelanau Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

SUPPORTING PARTNERS Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce

Kirstie Sielo�, Director of Government Relations Traverse Connect & the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance

STAFF

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“Advocating for the unique needs and challenges facing northern Michigan businesses has never been more critical to our region as it is now. The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance’s advocacy is a crucial

piece in lending a voice to our member businesses and community when faced with unprecedented chal-lenges. The Petoskey Chamber is proud to be a partner of the Alliance, and we look forward to continuing

this important work in the future. - Nikki Devitt, President, Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce

“The UP is only three percent of the

state’s population, giving us a small voice in public policy. By

collaborating with our peers at the Northern Michigan Chamber

Alliance, we have been able to increase the volume of our voice

and e�ect change for rural Michigan.” - Amy Clickner,

Former CEO, Lake Superior Community Partnership

“The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance has elevated our chamber's

advocacy e�orts tenfold, opening the door to be a bigger player and

providing a stronger and unified voice in Lansing for rural northern Michigan.

This partnership has increased the e�ectiveness that not one chamber or economic development organization could do alone, along with creating

long-lasting relationships.”- Stacie Bytwork, President & CEO,

Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce

The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance is a coalition of 16 chambers and economic development organizations from across northern Michigan. The Alliance partnership works from the premise that many legislative issues impact the U.P. and northern Lower Peninsula in similar ways. Our coalition exists to advocate for rural northern Michigan and move forward rural-centric business policy. Focus is given to supporting the success of existing northern Michigan businesses, developing and attracting a talented workforce in northern Michigan, and maximizing the competitiveness of the rural northern Michigan business environment. The Alliance includes nine Partners, one Supporting Partner, six Associate Partners, and over 7,000 member businesses from across northern Michigan.

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Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance Partners & Supporting Partners

Associate Partners

During all of our advocacy work, the Alliance utilized the feedback of over 300 businesses from all across northern Michigan to guide our engagement in the COVID-19 crisis - and this is something all of our member organizations continue to do locally.

This past year has been one of the most challenging in recent memory for our families, businesses, and communities. The COVID-19 global pandemic caused both a health and economic crisis that a�ected every country across the globe. At the beginning of the pandemic, our businesses retooled their operations and pivoted to forge ahead in an unknown environment, with new protocols. Chambers and economic development organizations also refocused e�orts to serve the immediate needs of businesses, and later, to support business recovery.

The true value of the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance became plainly obvious with our chambers collaborating on and comparing COVID-19 response activities and working collectively to support our northern Michigan business community. We called on our elected leaders for aid for our businesses, liability protections, and a safe reopening of northern Michigan. We provided businesses with timely information on funding opportunities and the most current COVID-19 requirements – and helped them navigate the industry-specific requirements.

The Alliance continues to serve as our region's advocate to ensure our businesses can safely operate and we will continue our support through the transition back to our new normal. We remain committed to advocating for the needs of our resilient businesses.

It is our honor to serve you and support our region's business community, and we look forward to continuing our e�orts on your behalf.

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Sarah HagenVice-Chairperson 2021

Stacie BytworkChairperson

Amy ClicknerOutgoing Vice-Chairperson 2020

“The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance provides more weight to move issues that matter to rural northern Michigan. Throughout COVID-19, our coalition spoke with one unified voice, allowing us to

make an impact for our business community. Together we are much stronger.” - Warren Call, President & CEO, Traverse Connect

“The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance has been a fantastic asset and resource during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. The leadership, insight, and advice from the Alliance has allowed us to keep our mem-

bers informed of the everchanging pandemic situation and how it relates to their businesses. I appreciate the hard work of everyone at the Alliance, and the Alliance’s new leadership is part of the

reason why Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce has increased our membership and engagement level to Supporting Partner for 2021.” - Kim Akin, Executive Director, Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce

“The work of the Alliance, especially during the COVID 19 pandemic, has been invaluable to our chamber and its 305 members. The Alliance provided timely and accurate information on all aspects of the pandemic and how it a�ected the business community in northern Michigan. There is no way that we could have kept

up to date on all that was happening at the state and federal levels on our own. In my 35 years in the chamber profession, I have never seen a more professional and e�cient governmental a�airs program.”

- Tom Kern, Executive Director, Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce

The Alliance has worked from the policy platform the Four Pillars of Rural Prosperity for a number of years. These four policy pillars include rural business development, attracting talent to rural areas, rural and small city housing development, and access to quality child care. This policy agenda has kept the Alliance focused – and we wanted to build on the success of the four pillars and give our policy priorities a refresh. At the end of 2020, the Alliance started the process of creating new policy priorities and a 2021 policy framework. The policy priorities are the coalition’s umbrella beliefs and policy purpose, while the 2021 framework outlines what we hope to achieve or how we will engage should certain policy issues arise during 2021. These policy priorities and framework will guide the Alliance’s advocacy into this new year and the future.

Support the success of existing northern Michigan businesses

Action: Proactively anticipate and address the needs of the existing business community

Focus Areas: Competitive tax environment, regulatory issues, industry-specific legislation

Develop and attract a talented workforce in northern Michigan Action: Policies that make northern Michigan an attractive location for talent

Focus Areas: Housing; childcare; education; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; relocation incentives; talent pipeline; parks and natural areas

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“When I started at the Harbor Springs Area Chamber Commerce in May, there were many things having to do with the chamber world in which I had no understanding. Everyone associated with the Alliance

was very helpful, informative, and supportive. The steps the Alliance took to assist our area with reopening prior to other regions was monumental in allowing our businesses to have some fashion of a

normal summer. We all understand, and are very aware, none of us can do the things we do alone, but as one, we have a larger voice and are more able to work for the betterment of our communities, and our

businesses.” - Bonnie Kulp, Executive Director, Harbor Springs Chamber of Commerce

“The East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce is a proud Associate Member of the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance. The resources, education, connections and services the Alliance sta� and fellow

members provide to our chamber is invaluable to our organization, my sta� and members. Not a week goes by that I am not reaching out to the Alliance for information, updates or support. The investment

into the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance is one of our most utilized expenditures in our annual budget.” - Mary Faculak, President, East Jordan Chamber of Commerce

Maximize the competitiveness of the rural northern Michigan business environment

Action: Advocate for state policies, incentives, and infrastructure needs so northern Michigan businesses can compete on the state, national, and international stages

Focus Areas: Broadband expansion, Public Act 51, Pure Michigan, high water, a�ordable energy production, energy distribution in northern Michigan, quality rural healthcare, an e�cient supply chain, and Michigan Economic Development Corporation equity policies for northern Michigan

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• Continue to serve as northern Michigan’s voice in COVID-19 response and recovery discussions • Work to safely reopen all industries • Support liability protections for businesses following current health and safety guidelines • Address the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund balance shortfall with state and federal funds and immunize companies against adverse ‘experience’ component calculations that resulted from government-mandated shutdowns• Pursue funding sources and mechanisms to provide businesses with the necessary liquidity to restart or continue operations• Promote regulatory reform to address business loss during COVID-19• Support the broadening of talent attraction and development programs to help diversify and build our economy in new areas, such as technology, traded industries, and remote work

• Reduce licensing burden on businesses, including supporting industry-specific legislation to make staying in business easier • Support smart regulatory reform • Work to expand business operation opportunities

• Support broadband expansion to rural communities so businesses can compete in the global economy • Protect Public Act 51 or promote road funding distribution that accounts for rural communities• Support best practices for combating high water to protect communities, homes, and businesses• Promote a�ordable energy production and su�cient energy distribution in northern Michigan• Reduce regulatory barriers to increase the e�ciency of northern Michigan business’ supply chain (commerce and goods coming in and going out via air, water, rail, and road) • Strengthen relationships and collaboration with state departments, especially the Michigan Economic Development Corporation• Support funding for Pure Michigan, research and development tax credits, Michigan Economic Development Corporation program dollars, broadband funding, rural healthcare, road funding that recognizes the needs of rural communities

• Support access to skilled trades education and training • Strengthen relationships and collaboration with state departments, especially the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services • Support communities in adopting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion best practices • Promote innovative regulatory reform to provide access to quality childcare • Support funding for Going Pro, opportunities to cultivate a remote workforce in northern Michigan, housing development in northern Michigan, innovative ways to promote access to quality childcare, greater access to skilled trades education and training, support state funding for parks and recreation

“Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to be an Associate Partner of the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance because it allows us to have representation in Lansing at an a�ordable rate that we

would not otherwise have.” - Polly Schneider, Executive Director, Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce

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COVID-19 dominated 2020, and the pandemic was the Alliance’s main advocacy focus. In order to support northern Michigan businesses, the Alliance provided access to decision makers and subject matter experts, timely information on funding opportunities and policy issues, and pushed to allow northern Michigan to reopen safely. Here’s a look at how we supported our region’s businesses.

The Alliance adopted a COVID-19 engagement framework to ensure our work was focused and pledged to continue: • Advocating on behalf of businesses in the continued state and federal legislative response to the health and economic crises• Creating solutions to safely open and operate customer-facing businesses to get owners and employees back to work• Charting the course for the future of the northern Michigan economy by addressing the current unemployment spike while finding new opportunities and solutions for industries adversely a�ected by continued management of an ongoing health crisis

The Alliance worked to advocate for:

• Additional funding sources and mechanisms to provide businesses with the necessary liquidity to restart or continue operations• Clear guidelines for safe operating practices to keep workers and customers safe, including expanded COVID-19 testing, use and availability of PPE, employing modified social-distancing practices, and comprehensive cleaning procedures• Comprehensive COVID-19 testing to identify and prevent future outbreaks to help bring Michigan together, drive our economy forward, and end the current economic crisis• Broadening of talent attraction and development programs to help diversify and build our economy in new areas, such as technology, traded industries, and remote work

Later in the year when the need for advocacy changed, the Alliance pivoted to focus on:

• Expanding indoor capacity to 75% for our bars, restaurants, and meetings and banquet centers if the positivity rate falls below a three-percent positive test rate over an extended period • The treatment of meetings and banquets centers in regions the same as bars and restaurants• The ability for bars and restaurants to retain the expanded capacity they gained through the use of patios and other outdoor solutions by allowing them to winterize those spaces while also extending their temporary alcohol service permits (that when they winterize their spaces there is a seamless transition and they are able to continue serving alcohol)

As new information became available, the Alliance worked to ensure their advocacy responded to the needs of businesses.

“The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance provides the Sault Area Chamber of Commerce much needed information and legislative updates. We are then able to support our members and business community

with initiatives to help our area remain a vibrant business community.” - Tony Haller, Executive Director, Sault Area Chamber of Commerce

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The Alliance worked on it's own and also collaboratively with advocacy partners to bring awareness to the needs of our businesses. Over the last year we made sure northern Michigan was well represented and shared our message widely.

• Signed on or penned letters on PPP, advocating for the inclusion of 501c(6) organizations in PPP funding, EIDL, funding for local and state governments, and federal liability protections• Joined forces with numerous chambers across the Midwest and Great Lakes region to support a coordinated reopening of our economy• Sent letters to Governor Gretchen Whitmer advocating for the inclusion of our region in reopening discussions, asking that northern Michigan be able to reopen safely, calling for the reopening of certain industries closed at the time, and calling for higher capacity limits• Submitted feedback to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission on how to support rural northern Michigan bars and restaurants during the crisis and through recovery• Mask-advocacy editorial sent to Alliance members to send to local newspapers and published in Cadillac, Charlevoix, Gaylord, Manistee, and Petoskey • Signed on to a letter with other business organizations on transparent decision-making, keeping all industries open, being precise in controlling outbreaks, and continuing to utilize best practices

The Alliance worked to ensure that member organizations and their businesses had access to the most up-to-date information. The coalition was able to secure high-level speakers and guests to help our businesses navigate the COVID-19 landscape.

• Hosted a webinar on the CARES Act, presented by U.S. Chamber of Commerce• Hosted Alliance meeting open to chambers and economic development organizations beyond membership with the agenda including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; a visit from Je� Donofrio, Director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity; and a conversation with over a dozen federal and state legislators or their representatives• Co-hosted industry forums for salons and spas, manufacturing, construction, retail, human resources, grocers, chiropractors and physical therapists, and restaurants• Hosted a webinar with Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack on Michigan’s Judiciary after COVID-19• Hosted a webinars on unemployment, Michigan’s Work Share program, and COVID-19 workplace safety with leaders from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity • Hosted a webinar on Liquor to Go with presenters from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission• Hosted a collaborative discussion on housing after COVID-19 with stakeholders from northern and southeast Michigan

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While much of the Alliance’s work is behind the scenes, more publicly, the coalition engaged in reopening advocacy. The coalition penned several letters to Governor Gretchen Whitmer – and shared our message widely.

Early on in the pandemic, after weeks of advocacy for a safe reopening of northern Michigan, Alliance chair, Stacie Bytwork, was invited to join the Governor on stage in announcing the first phase of reopening for regions 6 and 8.

The Alliance spoke with a unified voice and leveraged media to get out the coalition’s message and move advocacy forward. This past year, the Alliance was mentioned in the news over 25 times for our COVID-19 advocacy – including in the Detroit News. This earned media is in addition to earned radio interviews and placed unified mask messaging e�orts.

The Alliance also advocated for items in the Fiscal Year 2021 budget and other legislative priorities. During the FY 21 budget discussions, the coalition advocated for the inclusion of programs we felt the state should lean on during COVID-19 recovery because they have proven their worth and value. The Alliance advocated for the inclusion of $44M in the FY 21 budget, including funds for Pure Michigan, which was included at $15M; Going Pro included at $28.7M; and a tri-share childcare pilot included at $1M.

Who would have thought that employers would need to focus on childcare? The availability of quality childcare in northern Michigan continues to be a barrier to attracting talent. The FY 21 budget included $1M for a tri-share childcare pilot project to provide working Michigan families with increased access to high quality and a�ordable childcare that leverages employer and state support.

The e�ort was championed by a statewide coalition, which included the Alliance, developed by the Grand Rapids Chamber, and legislatively led by State Representative Greg VanWoerkom and northern Michigan’s Senator Curt VanderWall. The coalition included businesses, key state leaders, legislators, and research and children advocacy groups and came together with the purpose of tackling childcare accessibility, a�ordability, and quality.

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We supported Social Districts and Liquor to Go, now Public Acts 124 and 125 of 2020. These acts give municipalities the ability to provide a common area where approved liquor license holders can sell to patrons through a social district permit, like what the City of Petoskey implemented. Liquor to Go allows an on-premise liquor license holder that is also licensed as a food service establishment or retail food establishment to fill and sell qualified containers alcohol for o�-premise consumption.

We supported liability protections, now Public Acts 236-238 of 2020. These acts tell employers that if are in compliance with local, state, and federal law, they cannot be held liable if someone believes they contracted COVID-19 at the worksite.

As with every legislative session, there were initiatives we supported that didn’t make it across the finish line, but we look forward to continued discussions.

We supported bills that exempted purchases of PPE from the Sales and Use Tax and provided a refundable income tax credit for employers who retained and grew jobs during COVID-19.

We supported a childcare package led by State Representative Jack O'Malley and a couple of his colleagues – who worked to modify the state's childcare regulations including, increasing the child-provider ratios for family home childcare and group home childcare, increasing the number of children allowed before and after school hours, and allowing time for providers to comply with new regulations.

We supported a Michigan Community Investment Tax Credit Pilot, allowing for nonprofits to apply for $25M in tax credits. Nonprofits would apply for these credits and then seek a corporate or individual donor. The donor would receive a 50% state tax credit on their donation.

We also supported a sports commission bill, sponsored by State Representative Sarah Cambensy and State Senator Wayne Schmidt. This enabling legislation would allow the state's treasury department to invest surplus dollars in the form of a loan for use by the Great Lakes Sports Commission.

Since August 2019, the coalition worked to build out this pilot, the first of its kind in the nation. The pilot seeks to split the cost of childcare between state, family, and business. Three locations, including Muskegon, will be selected through the application process to represent an urban, suburban and rural setting for the pilot. A facilitator hub from each region will apply, and this hub will be the fiduciary and act as a liaison between area childcare providers and businesses interested in participating.

The hub will also assist with administrative needs of the child care providers. Businesses that elect to be in this program will be able to o�er childcare as a benefit up to 250% the Federal Poverty Level. The Alliance continues to advocate for innovative solutions to chronic problems, like childcare.

“Our membership to the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance proved invaluable this year particularly during the pandemic. The Alliance provided timely resources, and support during an extremely di�cult time for our local businesses and community members. Their assistance in deciphering the Executive

Orders and providing collateral to ensure compliance were shared, implemented, and appreciated throughout the community. Finally, the Alliance’s advocacy at the state level to support business recovery and a safe plan to reopen were critical to the economic well-being of our businesses. We look forward to

continuing to support and benefit from the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance.” - Jamie Jewell, Executive Director, Leelanau Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

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“This is an important step in recognizing the unique issues of rural Michigan – and especially rural northern Michigan,” said Stacie Bytwork, the chairperson of the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance and president of the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce.

“As we all know, everything is di�erent in rural communities – from attracting and retaining talent, to childcare, to cyber infrastructure – and the list goes on and on. The creation of

this o�ce will help elevate the issues of rural Michigan and promote rural prosperity.”

As we all know - everything is di�erent in rural communities – from attracting and keeping talent, to childcare, to cyber infrastructure, and the list goes on and on. The Alliance advocated with a broader coalition to establish a rural cabinet position to shine light on rural Michigan’s unique issues. This initiative was supported by nearly 100 organizations who were a part of the coalition - and the advocacy became more visible in January 2020 when the Alliance held a press conference formalizing the request during our State of the State visit. This past January, the Governor announced the creation of an O�ce of Rural

Development tasked with coordinating work across state government to address issues facing rural communities—including broadband, talent, infrastructure, and more.

This year, the Alliance added a Supporting Partner level, between the Partner and Associate Partner levels. This new level allows existing members to more deeply engage in the Alliance decision-mak-ing process and invites new chambers and econom-ic development organizations to venture into legislative advocacy.

The Alliance is proud to announce that the Boyne Area Chamber moved up from an Associate Partner to a Supporting Partner – making them our first Supporting Partner. The growth of the Alliance is excit-ing for all of northern Michigan businesses, because the more member organizations banding together, the stronger our voice in Lansing. We look forward to continuing the expansion of the Alliance in 2021.

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Over the last year, the Alliance has worked to use media more strategically in order to share our message. In addition to working on a comprehensive media list for all members, the NMCA also created a Facebook page so members can easily share content with their businesses.

To help our member businesses know that they also benefit from the Alliance's work when they invest with one of our member organizations, we created an Alliance quarterly publication for our business members. We look forward to growing this publication to continue to meet your needs.

Business owners know the importance of planning, and that’s why our Alliance Partners spent several hours on Zoom creating a strategic plan to prioritize our policy and organizational actions for 2021. We are now working from a 30-60-90 plan that will keep the Alliance focused on the exciting work ahead.

Thank you for your partnership and support during 2020. We look forward to our continued advocacy together.

“I am continually impressed by the ability of our Alliance members to engage on tough issues with one unified voice. It has been an honor to support this highly-e�ective coalition and I am excited for the work

ahead.” – Kirstie Sielo�, Director of Government Relations for Traverse Connect & the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance