Elizabeth Williams

Virtual connection is one of the only formats to reach each other nowadays. Here at the Greater Ishpeming-Negaunee Area Chamber of Commerce, we have been working tirelessly to improve our online presence, and therefore public connection.

After an eight-week endeavor, I have completed updating our membership directory. The directory, which can be found on https://gincc.org/member-directory/, has information regarding our 200+ member businesses compiled in one place for easy access.

Working on the directory has been an enlightening experience. I never realized just how many businesses were in the area and the diversity in business types. I learned about not only the businesses themselves, but I finally recognized the abilities, passion, strength, and tenacity of the people behind them. Now, I better understand the role these businesses play in the community and how valuable they are to the success of us all.

If you are interested in being a part of the Chamber and our membership directory, stop by the GINCC at 910 US 41 in Ishpeming or call us at 906-486-1111. You can also get more details from our website www.gincc.org. We would love to help your business grow!

Our local businesses have taken on some tough challenges over the last twelve months, but together all of us can support them. With events slowly but surely popping up in the coming months, be sure to stay up-to-date with all of your local favorites.

In addition to completing the directory, I have also been working on updating the Visit the West End website. The site, launched in April 2019, is a comprehensive visitor guide for locals and tourists alike to find fun activities to do in the area, places to eat and drink, and places to stay. It also includes a blog that I have had the pleasure of writing for.

The site has already been a big help to me, as I was able to find a few new places to grab dinner from and further explore the trails in the area with the compiled list of trail networks. See for yourself at https://www.visitthewestend.com.

With spring on the horizon, get out and #discoverthewestend to support the West End and all of our incredible local businesses!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Elizabeth Williams is the intern at the GINCC. She currently resides in Ishpeming with her family and three dogs. She enjoys cooking, reading, running, swimming, and going out for ice cream.