10/13/2026
🌟 CHEBOYGAN’S FUTURE IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS. AND YOUR PRESENCE MATTERS!
One Community. Stronger Together.
This Thursday, October 15th, the Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce invites YOU to an evening of information, connection, and conversations that matter.
2026 STATE OF THE COMMUNITY
Pathways to Success – Charting Cheboygan’s Future
Our community is facing important opportunities, challenges, and decisions. From supporting young families and strengthening our tourism economy to addressing critical infrastructure, flood recovery, and advocating for Northern Michigan’s future, these are issues that affect ALL of us.
Being informed is the first step toward being involved. And an engaged community is a stronger community!
🎤 HERE’S WHAT WE’LL BE TALKING ABOUT:
🔹 CHAMBER LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY IMPACT
Nicole Drake, President of the Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce, will share an update on the Chamber’s work, priorities, and continued commitment to strengthening our business community.
🔹 INVESTING IN OUR FAMILIES – RX KIDS
Patrick Haggerty of the Straits Area Community Foundation will introduce RX Kids, an innovative program supporting expectant mothers and families through the first six months of a child’s life.
Learn how community investment can help unlock significant state funding, creating an extraordinary opportunity to support our youngest residents and their families.
🔹 TOURISM, ECONOMIC GROWTH & THE INLAND WATERWAY
Cheboygan Area Visitors Bureau Executive Director Carole Yeck and Brian Matson of Two Six Digital, our tourism marketing partner, will share how strategic destination marketing is positioning Cheboygan and the Inland Waterway for greater visibility, visitor engagement, and economic opportunity.
Tourism isn’t just about visitors. It’s about supporting local businesses, jobs, investment, and the vitality of our entire community!
🔹 OUR DAM, OUR WATERWAY, OUR FUTURE – INFRASTRUCTURE & RESILIENCE
One of the most important conversations of the evening!
The Cheboygan Dam and recent flooding have raised serious questions about infrastructure, public safety, economic impacts, and the future of our Inland Waterway.
Hear directly from individuals working on these issues, including:
• Brenda Archambo, who has helped bring community stakeholders together to organize watershed flood recovery and prevention efforts and move conversations toward meaningful action.
• Tom Bajko of Ryba Marine Construction, sharing important perspectives on the Cheboygan Dam and the infrastructure challenges ahead.
• Michelle Crook, Engineer with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, providing insight from the state’s perspective.
• State Representative Cam Cavitt, joining the discussion on the importance of addressing these challenges and moving solutions forward.
Along with additional partners involved in the ongoing conversations and recovery efforts.
What has happened? Where do things stand? What needs to happen next? How do we work together to protect our community and advocate for the resources needed?
This is a conversation our entire community should be part of.
🔹 ADVOCACY – GIVING NORTHERN MICHIGAN A STRONGER VOICE
Dakota Baker, President of the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance, will discuss the critical issues facing Northern Michigan’s businesses and communities, the policies that affect our region, and how we can work together to make sure our voices are heard.
Advocacy isn’t about politics. It’s about understanding the issues, working across the table, and supporting policies that help our communities thrive.
📍 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
4:30–5:30 PM | Networking Reception
Cheboygan Fire Hall
5:30–7:00 PM | State of the Community Presentations
Cheboygan Opera House
403 N. Huron Street | Cheboygan, MI
💙 WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?
Because the issues being discussed affect our businesses, our families, our waterways, our infrastructure, and our quality of life.
Because accurate information matters.
Because meaningful progress begins when people come together, listen, learn, and engage.
And because the future of Cheboygan shouldn’t be shaped without the voices of the people who live, work, and invest here.
The Chamber is proud to provide a nonpartisan platform that brings knowledgeable voices, community leaders, and residents together to share information and encourage collaboration.
We don’t have to agree on every issue to agree that Cheboygan deserves a strong future.
SHOW UP. GET INFORMED. BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION.
We encourage business owners, employees, community organizations, elected officials, and residents to attend.
Let’s fill the Opera House with people who care about Cheboygan!
🌐 Visit www.cheboygan.com for Chamber information.
CHEBOYGAN LEADS
Leadership • Engagement • Advocacy • Development • Support
