Cadillac Area

JULY/AUGust 2009 • Volume 15-NO. 4 Business Magazine

A Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Publication

Paul Liabenow
Matthew Gibson
receive awards
See pages 8 & 9
 Mission Statement
Letter from Executive Director

there is hope
The Chamber shall be a catalyst for community
and business development in the Greater
Cadillac Area and serve its members by providing
opportunity for business and professional support.
To most people this past year has been unlike any other. The financial crisis, the
interdependence of the global market and the government bailout of some large

Meet the Board
Jon Catlin, Executive Director
Chemical Bank 775-8588
Mickey Putman, Vice Chair
Cadillac Credit Bureau 775-3458
Sue Peterson, Treasurer
Avon Rubber and Plastics, Inc 779-6200
Eric Baker
Wolverine Power Cooperative 775-5700
Dennis H. Benson, PLC business development strategies. We had a program that did well for us in encouraging our
Attorney 876-9405
Jim Blackburn
Blick Dillon Insurance 775-3416
Bill Cinco
The Trend Designers 775-5711
Dean DeKryger
The DK Design Group 779-4002
Mike Hamner
Avon Protection Systems, Inc. 779-6200
Katy Huckle
Northwestern Bank 775-2688
Lorri King, Past Executive Director
Cadillac Title, LLC 779-8000
Bill Kring
9&10 News 775-9813
Paul Liabenow
Cadillac Area Public Schools 876-5000
Bryan Lydick
Mercy Hospital Cadillac 876-7522
Joy VanDrie
The Identity Builder 920-5189
CHAMBER STAFF 775-9776
Bill Tencza, President
president@cadillac.org
companies that are “too big to fail” have put a strain on the economy unlike anything we
have witnessed in history. The mainstream media’s repeated message of doom and gloom
has hindered the spirit of Americans.
With that being said, we here at the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce see positives
that are happening in our area. We are in the midst of a much needed road improvement
project that will be an approximate $6 million investment, a new community YMCA is
being built, and other projects are happening in our community. There are companies that
are positioning themselves for the future. They know that this economy will turn around.
The stock market is rebounding — a little. There is hope.
At Chamber functions we try to stress the importance of shopping local, helping your
community and the businesses that are here. Retention has been one of the most effective
employers to reward their employees and at the same time to shop local, Certifichecks. As
that company has gone out of business, your Chamber of Commerce has stepped up and
said that that program was too important to not honor the shop local theme. The Cadillac
Area Chamber of Commerce Board voted to honor the outstanding checks at a cost to the
Chamber. We felt it was the right thing to do. It will impact our bottom line. However, this
is one more example of prudent stewardship that the Board and staff have operated under
to ensure it will not impact any programs that we offer.
We all can be very proud of the staff at the Chamber. They have done an outstanding job
this past year. In recognizing the difficult economy we have not replaced a staff member
and the remaining staff has picked up the extra duties. They put on events like no other
Chamber staff. They utilize the many volunteers that believe in the Chamber mission.
The Governor’s Breakfast, the Briefcase Open, and the Annual Dinner marks a very busy
last quarter for the staff and I would like to thank them for the dedication and attention to
detail that they employ. All of these events are well run in addition to the Rise Up Cadillac,
Leadership Learning Series, Lecture Luncheons and all other Chamber activities. Our
staff is second to none!
I would like to thank Jeremy Winkle for his six plus years of service to the Chamber
Board and the Executive Committee as the Past Executive Director and Treasurer, his
dedication and knowledge will be missed.
We cannot change what has happened, all we can do is learn from it and plan for the
future. As the new Executive Director, I am interested in your ideas and opinions. I look
forward to working with you to make this upcoming year a better year as we strive to
improve in all that we do.
Thank you.

Doreen Lanc, Director of Membership Services Jon Catlin, Executive Director

membership@cadillac.org
Deb Gillies, Leadership Director/Accountant
leadership@cadillac.org Marketing 101
Amanda Hamilton, Administrative Assistant
info@cadillac.org
If you do not tell consumers about you & your
Printer: Cadillac Printing Company
Publisher: Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce business, then how will they know about you?
Editorial Committee: Chris Huckle, Doreen Lanc,
Rich Langton, Sarah Roberts, Bill Tencza and Joy VanDrie.
A. Osmosis. B. On Star. C. They Won’t.
“If you cut back your marketing in tough times you create a hole in a
The Cadillac Area Business Magazine is a publication of the
Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber reserves
the right to edit or refuse articles and advertisements submit-
ted to the Cadillac Area Business Magazine, and reserves the vacuum that someone else will fill.” - Joe Bonura
right in its sole discretion to accept or refuse inserts and other Thriving on the Challenge of a Slow Economy - Marketing Seminar • Cadillac June 25, 2009
materials to be distributed through the publication.
Contact the Cadillac News for Comprehensive Marketing Solutions. 231-775-6565

2 July-August 2009 - Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce

 CAPS, community foundation announce Challenge Day Fund
The Cadillac Area Community Foundation
and the Cadillac Area Public Schools (CAPS)
are proud to announce a collaboration to
bring the Challenge Day team to Cadillac
Area Public Schools.
The foundation is pledging $1 for every
$2 donated to the newly established CAPS
Challenge Day Fund, up to a total match of
$6,000 for $12,000 raised in the communi-
ty.
This partnership will allow CAPS teachers
and staff to focus on working with the stu-
dents, and the Foundation staff will focus
on fundraising for Challenge Day.
City recognizing business anniversaries
Cadillac has started a program to recog-
nize local city businesses located in the
city that are celebrating anniversaries.
Any business celebrating an anniversary
may apply for recognition. All anniversa-
ries should fall in five (5) year increments
(i.e. 5, 10, 15, 20, etc.). Applications are
available at City Hall, 200 North Lake
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Linda Kimbel, Executive Director of the
Cadillac Area Community Foundation, stat-
ed that the Foundation Board of Trustees
unanimously agreed to use a portion of the
limited 2009 grant budget to address the
serious issues surrounding bullying in the
Cadillac Area Public School district.
According to CAPS Superintendent
Paul Liabenow, the total cost to bring the
Challenge Day team to Cadillac will be
approximately $30,000.
The Challenge Day program reduces teas-
ing, stereotyping, social oppression and bul-
lying. The program teaches students peace-
St., and online at www.cadillac-mi.net.
The application forms should be com-
pleted and submitted no later than 60
days prior to the anniversary. From this
information, a proclamation in honor
of the business anniversary will be pre-
pared for presentation by the Cadillac
City Council during a regular council
It’s All About You!
Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce - July-August 2009
ful conflict resolution and enhances their
skills for healthy emotional expression.
The program strives to increase the stu-
dents’ self-esteem, sense of purpose, and
integrity, and develops empathy for others.
Using the skills they are taught, the students
will have the ability to turn their schools
into a community campus.
In studies conducted after Challenge Day,
students report that they are more accept-
ing of fellow students; see students tease
each other less; feel less lonely at school;
ask others for feedback more readily; and
are comfortable being leaders.
meeting.
“This is a great opportunity for busi-
nesses to be recognized for their suc-
cessful operation in the City of Cadillac,
as well as for the city council to thank
business owners for their contributions
to our community,” said Mayor Bill
Barnett.
To better serve our guests,
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Also look for online specials.
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111 N. Shelby St., Cadillac
231-779-6110
Chaos Team: Tracey Kanouse, Janet Zantello,
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Jessica Pawlaczyk, Robin Clinton
& Lisa Rice
3
 ‘The best class …’
By Rob Wing, Nancy Tanner, Lori Murton and Andy Ulrich
Graduates of the Cadillac Leadership Program most likely have
heard the phrase, “the best class. ” Deb Gillies, Leadership Director,
said it several times throughout the months of the 2008-2009 pro-
gram in support of the groups’ participation and efforts.
To the 22 members of the 2008-2009 Leadership Class, the best
class describes the Leadership program itself. Cadillac Leadership
is the best for:
• Learning about the community
• Meeting community and business leaders
• Working with classmates as a team to choose and complete a com-
munity service project
• Learning about yourself and your potential as a community lead-
er
For the participants, the program kicked off in September with
an overnight retreat at the Kettunen Center, and soon after, the
search was on for a community service project. It was a difficult
decision as many worthy projects were presented. In the end, the
class chose a project that was believed to benefit the vast majority
of our county — bringing 2-1-1 to Wexford County. The 2-1-1 sys-
tem is a toll-free helpline connecting county residents with impor-
tant community resources and volunteer opportunities. The class
believed that given the current economic times, it was an obvious
choice.
Early on, the Leadership class members realized how complex
the project would be. But with encouragement from members of
the Leadership and Chamber Boards and our partner, United Way,
as well as through sheer determination of the class, progress was

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Now, fast-forward nine months to the end of the program; after

ON MITCHELL STREET!
many meetings, e-mails, fundraisers and laughs, the classmates
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4 July-August 2009 - Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce

Leadership Class 2009 members include: Front row L-R: Joanna Hoenshell, Tom Armstrong, Julie Dyer, Leigh Gifford, Tom King, Jr., Kristin McKinley, Tammy Arrand and Christy Church.
Back row L-R: Luther Lovell, Lori Murton, Corey Christensen, Laura Sawyer, Sara Keinath, Andy Ulrich, Tera Veddler, Deb Gillies (Leadership Director), Steve Selewski, Ryan Ellis,
Nancy Tanner, Dave Miller, Heather Corner, Wayne Crawford and Rob Wing.

Celebrating 134 Years

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Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce - July-August 2009 5

Thank you! Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce
16th Annual Briefcase Open Golf Outing
“Thank you” to our sponsors,
teams, courses, & volunteers!
Bank/Blick Dillon Insura
McGuire’s - Chemical
“Briefcas e OpenskiW
n Alto, Pete Sumin &
Issac Hinkle, Da
4 Seasons FLM
AAR Mobility Systems
Audiological Service of Cadillac
Avon Protection Systems
Bandeen Orthodontics of Cadillac
Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan
BorgWarner Thermal Systems
Cadillac News
Cadillac Insurance Center
Cadillac Title, LLC
Carroll Retirement Plans & Investments
Chemical Bank
Citizens Bank
nce The DK Design Group
Eldorado Golf Course
inner” e Firstbank – Cadillac
Jason Wallac
Highpoint Auto & Truck Center
Lakeside Title, LLC
Law Office of David R. Peterson PC
McGuire’s Resort
Mercy Hospital – Cadillac
New Image Hair Salon
Northwestern Bank
Piranha Hose Products, Inc.
Swaffer’s Toyota Cadillac
The Trend Designers

Eldorado
Course Champions
Pat Carroll, Bill Kring, Ke
vin Dunaway & Doug Bro
wn

Special thanks to the 2009 Briefcase Open Golf Committee

Doug Brown • Chris Huckle • Scott Hunter • John MacLeod • Mickey Putman

6 July-August 2009 - Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce

 Thank you!
Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce would like to
thank the 2009 Annual Awards Dinner Sponsors!
“Opportunities Await”
9 &10 News Cadillac News
Avon Protection Systems, Inc. Cadillac Tire Center
Baker College of Cadillac Cadillac Title, LLC
Blue Cross/Blue Shield of MI Chemical Bank
Citizens Bank
Firstbank-Cadillac
Mercy Hospital Cadillac
Northwestern Bank
Piranha Hose Products, Inc.
Wolverine Power Cooperative

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Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce - July-August 2009 7

Paying it forward —
Way forward
By Mardi Suhs

M atthew Gibson is a dedicat-

ed husband and father, a military
veteran, and a man committed to
improving the lives of others by
giving endless volunteer hours to
local community organizations.
Because of his selfless service
to our community, Gibson was
honored with the 2009 Spirit of
Community Award at the Cadillac
Area Chamber of Commerce
Annual Awards Dinner.
You may not know his name,
but you probably have seen him.
He jumped into frigid waters
for the Polar Dip to raise money
for OASIS. He dressed in drag
to raise money for the American
Cancer Society. He pounded nails
for Habitat for Humanity and
cleaned local roads and parks. He
buried Easter eggs in the snow
in the city park for the annual
Easter Egg Hunt. He volunteers
during Lakefront Days and Relay
for Life. And last Thanksgiving,
he amazed his wife by getting out
of bed at 5 a.m. to hit the sales to
purchase Coats for Kids.
“He knows the importance of the
kids needing coats,” said present-
er, nominator and his wife Janet Janet Gibson presented the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce 2009 Spirit of Community Award to her husband, Matt Gibson, at the
Gibson, president of the Cadillac Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner.
Jaycees. “He has three children of
his own, and he loves giving back. children, one of whom is also dis- who served in Somalia during program and he went on to serve
We have been in need of things abled. Desert Shield and again in Desert in every position.”
from time to time ourselves, so “Our 3-year-old son Wesley was Storm. As a member of the Naval Gibson is the branch manager
this is his way to pay it forward born completely blind,” she said. Reserves, he volunteered to be for Care Linc Medical Equipment
and do the things he does.” “That’s another reason Matt is re-deployed to Kuwait for eight of Cadillac.
Gibson was raised in Cadillac active with Parents of Children months last year. “He is a loving husband and
by a single mom with disabling with Visual Impairments. He “Volunteering and running proj- committed father of three,” Janet
health issues. also volunteers with Challenge ects and serving the community, concluded as she prepared to give
“He learned to take responsi- Mountain, an organization that he doesn’t do it for awards,” Janet him his award. “He’s dedicated to
bility at an early age by helping takes kids with disabilities skiing continued. “He doesn’t do it for serving this community and this
with her care,” explained Janet. at Caberfae. He just loves attend- any name recognition. He just country with all of his heart. He’s
That sense of responsibility car- ing that and taking them downhill simply does it for the communi- a leader, and he is everything you
ries over into his own family life skiing.” ty. Through the Jaycees he went could ask for in your Spirit of the
with his dedication to his three Gibson is a military veteran through the ten-step leadership Community recipient.”

8 July-August 2009 - Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce

 Working for the kids
By Mardi Suhs
W
hen Paul Liabenow’s name
was announced as the recipient
of the 2009 Outstanding Citizen
Award, he was close to the podi-
um. As this year’s emcee, along
with Judy Coffey, for the Cadillac
Area Chamber of Commerce
Annual Awards Dinner he was
standing off to the side when she
announced his name.
He didn’t have far to walk, but
he did have time to compose him-
self while attendees burst into
applause that wouldn’t end.
“ Wo w, ” w a s L i a b e n o w ’s
response. And then he laughed
and said, “I’ve been punked.
Although I’m not deserving of this
award, I do appreciate the oppor-
tunity to serve in a great commu-
nity.”
“This award is not something
he would expect,” said his wife
Bonnie. “He doesn’t operate for
recognition. He operates because
his faith drives him to be the very
best he can be. Nothing else drives
him. He gives his best for Cadillac
students because he has a passion
for kids.”
Liabenow is a self-made man
who began earning his own way
in life in ninth grade, working to
support his interests. He started a
tree farm business as a teenager
and earned a full scholarship to
MSU through his public speaking
endeavors in Future Farmers of
America while attending school
in Manton.
“He didn’t have the opportu-
nity to do sports in high school,”
Bonnie explained. “Being a farm-
ing family, they didn’t run their
kids into town for sports. But
his parents saw the value of FFA,
and that was his sport. That was
where his beginning in public
speaking began. He was the presi-
Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce - July-August 2009
Judy Coffey presents Paul Liabenow, Superintendent of Cadillac Area Public Schools, with
the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce 2009 Outstanding Citizen Award at Caberfae Peaks
Ski and Golf Resort.
dent of his class and was active in
leadership there as well.”
“This is a fellow who worked
himself up the ladder,” Coffey
said. “He came up through the
ranks of the system and knows
what it’s like to be in the class-
room. He understands the ins and
outs of teaching and leading, and
he’s fought hard in Lansing for
the schools in the north.”
After working with Liabenow
as a member of the CAPS school
board, Coffey nominated him
for this award. The four-page
nomination letter is packed with
his achievements in the areas of
business, education, community
service, memberships and leader-
ship initiatives.
“Superintendent Liabenow has
kept the business of running a
public school district solid and
sound during trying economic
times by overseeing years of
smart spending, cost savings,
right-sizing personnel and finan-
cial analysis,” Coffey said on the
form nominating Liabenow.
“It’s awesome to see him receive
this award for his hard work and
dedication,” said Roxann Hines,
his administrative assistant. “He
works 24/7 for the kids and the
parents.”
“His job is not only managing
our school system,” explained
friend Pat Goggin. It’s charting the
course for our future, one child at
a time. His efforts will have a last-
ing effect on our community, our
schools, our industries and our
families for decades to come. For
Paul, “It’s all about the kids!”
9
 Rise Up! Cadillac
May 13, 2009 at Cadillac-Wexford Public Library Lecture Luncheon
Series

Hosted by:
Friends of the Library

Friday, May 15, 2009

“Prison Reform in Michigan –
The Hidden Costs”
Presented by the Honorable David Hogg,
84th District Court Judge

Sponsored by:
Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan
Gary A. Huyge, Account Manager 

Friday, June 5, 2009

“The Economic Impact of

Quality Early Childhood
Sponsored by: Care and Education”
Chemical Bank Mike Acosta, Wexford Missaukee
Intermediate School District
10 July-August 2009 - Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce
 Ribbon Cuttings
Women's Business
Luncheon

April 24, 2009

The Game
of Life . . .
Featuring,
Penney McRae,
Life Success Sunnyside Senior Living
Consultant 108 Wildwood Drive

Leadership
Learning Series
June 4, 2009
“Tearing
Down Brick
Walls”
Patricia S. Lange,
M.S., RE/MAX celebrates their move to
Compasspoint 124 South Mitchell Street
Training &
Consulting

Calendar of Events

July
Day
17 Rise Up! Cadillac, City Park 7 a.m.

August
Day
12 Rise Up! Cadillac,
Wexford County Historical Museum 7 a.m.
13 Leadership Learning Series, Michigan’s Care Net of Cadillac
Economic Future, Baker College Cadillac, Noon 419 North Lake Street

Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce - July-August 2009 11

Camp Torenta Dining Hall Receives
$113,000 from Rotary Club of Cadillac
The Rotary Club of Cadillac presented a check for $113,000 to CAPS
for the fulfillment of the commitment made in 2007 to support the
reconstruction of the Camp Torenta Dining Hall. Fundraising for this
project was made possible by the community support of the Rotary
Club of Cadillac’s Annual Community Auction held in April where
700+ community members bid on silent and live auction items donat-
ed from local and regional businesses. The Camp Torenta Dining Hall
project was a two-year fundraising effort.
“The year around Dining Hall will provide CAPS Students and
Campers additional science-related educational opportunities,” said
Paul Liabenow, CAPS Superintendent, “We are proud of what we have
accomplished and very lucky to have the community support educa-
tion and our kids like this.”
“I’m proud of how Rotary has been an integral part of Camp Torenta
since it began in the 1930’s. This is a dream come true for the Steering
committee and many past campers,” said Dr. Randy Myers, Chairman
of Camp Torenta Steering Committee, “Many friends of Camp
Torenta have put many hours to make this a reality. A new dining hall
combined with new cabins and the renovation of other historic build-
ings is just the start of rebuilding the camp. There is a lot of Cadillac
History there, and we want more kids to experience it, generation
after generation.”
The Camp Torenta Dining Hall construction is positioned to begin
late this fall.

JCPenney Customers “Round-Up” & give back to Cadillac Area YMCA

One-hundred percent of Donations from Recent “Round-Up”
and “Day of Giving Back” Programs benefit Cadillac Area YMCA, a
JCPenney Afterschool Fund Charitable Partner
The Cadillac Area YMCA’s afterschool teen center program has
received an $840.62 donation from JCPenney in Cadillac. The money
was raised through the “Day of Giving Back” and “Round-Up” events
held recently at JCPenney in Cadillac.
“The generous support of the JCPenney Afterschool Fund and
JCPenney enhances our efforts to serve as many young teens as pos-
sible with meaningful, high-quality afterschool programming,” says
Chris Gentry, YMCA Executive Director. “They know, as we do, that
children are our most valuable resource.”
The YMCA’s afterschool programming includes an afterschool teen
center serving an average of 25 teens each day that it is open.

Sponsorship & Booth Chamber Business Directory

Reservation Information
coming soon! Insurance Catering

Business

E P
• SOUPS • WRAPS
• SALADS • SANDWICHES

121 N. Mitchell St., Suite G

Cadillac, Michigan 49601
231.775.0750 office
www.aflac.com 106 S. Mitchell St., 231-775-6150
Opportunities Await www.ShayStation.com

2009
Program of the
Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Eye Care Promotional Products
Providing opportunities to our members through:
networking, visibility, strengthening
partnerships and educational programs.

Plan to create connections with us at the

17th Annual Greater Cadillac Area Business Expo. Office Supplies Office Furniture Ad Specialties

Thursday, October 8, 2009 • 11AM to 5 PM David L. Rockwell, M.D. • Michigan’s Largest Independent Office Products Dealer
At the Wexford County Civic Center Richard M. Brenz, M.D. • Next Day Free Delivery
502 Cobb Street, • Local Single Source Supplier
Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Cadillac, MI 49601
222 Lake Street, Cadillac, MI 49601 231-775-1248
Phone: 231-775-9776

12 July-August 2009 - Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce

 Rotary Club of Cadillac
Awards $50,000 to restore
Historical Museum Copper Dome
On June 2, the Rotary Club of Cadillac voted to award the Wexford County Historical
Society a grant for $50,000 for the express purpose of restoring the museum’s original
copper dome. By first preserving the exterior dome area, the Historical Society will
then be able to rehabilitate the rest of the building and restore it to its original splen-
dor. The Historical Society currently is working on a master rehabilitation plan, which
will guide them through this rehabilitation process. As one of 53 Carnegie Library
buildings left in the State of Michigan, and one of the more impressive structures, it
was imperative to replace and repair the dome to prevent further deterioration of the
building.
“We are very proud to be able to help save a historic landmark in our communi-
ty,” said Linda Kimbel, Past President of the Rotary Club of Cadillac and Executive
Director of the Cadillac Community Foundation. “The Museum hosted one of our
meetings to enable all of our members to see first-hand what the project was, and
after seeing what the museum has to offer, my fellow Rotarians were committed to
saving it.”

Commits Support to Diggins Hill Tennis Court Project

The Rotary Club of Cadillac membership committed to supporting the Diggins Hill Tennis Court Project. A collaborative effort between the
Diggins Hill Committee and the Rotary Club of Cadillac will spearhead fundraising efforts during the Rotary Annual Community Auction held
in April 2010. The project is in need of over $50,000 to complete the much-needed repairs and reconstruction for the tennis courts and sur-
rounding area. The entire 13-acre parcel will be part of a master plan that will kick off at the completion of this first phase reconstruction of
the existing facility.
The Rotary Club of Cadillac commits to donating 75% of net profits from its Community Auction held in April each year, which based on the
FBC1447_Stalker8x465.qxd:FBC
past Cadillac
five years is roughly $56,000. With Chamber effort,
a collaborative 6/15/09 12:54
the Club PM toPage
hopes meet1and exceed the average this next spring.

Peter D. Stalker Appointed

Community Bank President of Firstbank – Cadillac
P eter joins Firstbank as Community Bank President, responsible for all day-to-
day operations in the Cadillac market. He is involved in community and state
organizations including the International City Management Association, board member
of the Local Government Management Association, charter member of Oakland County
Small Cities Training Institute, Michigan Municipal League Workers’ Compensation
Board, Michigan Municipal League Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Rotary
International, University of Michigan Graduate Board, past president of Wexford County
United Way, Municipal Employees Retirement System Advisory Board, board member of
Cadillac Mercy Hospital, board member of Lakeview Lutheran Manor, and Michigan State
University Extension Advisory Council.

231-775-9000
114 W. Pine Street ◆ Downtown Cadillac
Peter D. Stalker
Community Bank President Equal Housing Lender www.firstbankmi.com Member FDIC

Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce - July-August 2009 13

Stalker named president at Firstbank - Cadillac
Peter Stalker, former Cadillac City Manager,
is the new Community Bank President for
Firstbank – Cadillac. Stalker had been with the
City of Cadillac more than 21 years, serving as
the city manager for the last 13 ½.
“This is an incredible opportunity for me to
continue to serve and be active in the Cadillac
Welcome:
Doug DeYoung, Director
of Government Relations
Doug DeYoung has been named the new
Director of Government Relations. 
DeYoung will maintain relationships
with local, regional and state elected offi-
cials and their staff on behalf of Chamber
members, as well as support the efforts
of the Northwest Michigan Regional
Chamber Alliance, which includes the
Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce.  Gladu was selected after an interview process to be a member of
Doug recently served as News Director at
WPBN TV 7&4.
14 July-August 2009 - Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce
community while also embarking on a new and
exciting professional career.”
“I have greatly enjoyed my tenure with the city
and am very proud of what has been accom-
plished during this time,” Stalker said.
Stalker will be responsible for all day-to-day
operations in the Cadillac market.
Megan Gladu of Navari
performs at Americoif show
Megan Gladu of Navari Hair Studio & Spa performed at
the Americoif of Detroit Press Show. The show was held at
Stagecrafters theatre in downtown Royal Oak. This show is one
of the largest shows in the Midwest, demonstrating cutting edge
trends in overall hair design.
the Stylist Team. Vivian Mackinder, world renowned stylist was
center stage.
My notice was served.
They returned a winner.
I had a heart attack. Thankfully, the split-second
reaction of Mercy Hospital Cadillac’s ER team kept
me in the game. When seconds matter, we’re fortunate
to have this level of expertise so close to home.
The best people, using the best technology, lead to
the best care. We have it all, right here in Cadillac.
Tom Taylor, Good Neighbor
mercycadillac.com | A member of Trinity Health
Data track 2008-2009
Wexford County Jan. 09 Feb. 09 Mar. 09 April 09 May 09 June 08 July 08 Aug. 08 Sept. 08 Oct. 08 Nov. 08 Dec. 08
Labor Force 14,660 14,251 14,535 14,109 14,301 14,902 15,066 14,678 14,413 14,516 14,328 14,296
Employment 11,959 11,836 11,787 11,716 11,843 13,413 13,056 12,916 12,684 15,540 12,476 12,140
Unemployment 2,701 2,415 2,748 2,393 2,458 1,489 2,010 1,762 1,729 1,976 1,852 2,156
Rate 18.4% 16.9% 18.9% 17.0% 17.2% 10.1% 13.3% 12.0% 12.0% 13.6% 12.9% 15.1%

Missaukee County Jan. 09 Feb. 09 Mar. 09 April 09 May 09 June 08 July 08 Aug. 08 Sept. 08 Oct. 08 Nov. 08 Dec. 08
Labor Force 6,401 6,296 6,428 6,258 6,270 6,661 6,643 6,498 6,365 6,386 6,381 6,437
Employment 5,356 5,302 5,280 5,248 5,305 6,058 5,897 5,833 5,729 5,664 5,635 5,483
Unemployment 1,045 994 1,148 1,010 695 603 746 666 636 722 746 954
Rate 16.3% 15.8% 17.9% 16.1% 15.4% 9.1% 11.2% 10.2% 10.0% 11.3% 11.7% 14.8%
For more information go online to www.cadillac.org/discover/about_LaborActivity.htm

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Contact Sarah Roberts-Goggin at 231-779-4143 or sroberts@cadillacnews.com.

Meet Katy and Cindy!

If you’re looking for a professional,
experienced approach to your home
loan call Katy Huckle at 775-2688 or
Cindy Sieland at 846-2013.
They can do that!

1573 N. Mitchell St. • 775-9077

nwbank.com
Katy Huckle Cindy Sieland
Vice President/Market Leader Loan Assistant
Mortgage Loan Officer
Member FDIC

Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce - July-August 2009 15

Cadillac Area PRSRT STD
Chamber of Commerce US POSTAGE
222 N. Lake PAID
Cadillac, MI 49601-1874 TRAVERSE CITY
MI
PERMIT #96