Benzie Area Chamber of Commerce

06/06/2026

Join us for a Chamber Town Hall & Panel Discussion

Tuesday June 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Mills Community House
891 Michigan Ave. in Benzonia

The August 4th ballot asks voters to reset the general operating millage to 4.4399 mills for fiscal years 2027 and 2028.

It is still below the 5.29 mills voters originally authorized in 1982.

It is a two-year term. After 2027 and 2028, voters decide again.

The same reset applies to townships. Every township has experienced the same rollback from their original 1.21 mill rate. Both reset together under this proposal, restoring the funding base for township services like fire protection, zoning, parks, cemeteries, and elections.

The Chamber wants to make sure every member understands what is on the ballot, why it matters, and what it means for your business, your community, and your tax bill.

Local officials and community leaders will walk through the ballot proposal and answer your questions. Bring a neighbor!

Visit https://benzierenewal.org/ for more information

06/04/2026

Sorry we've been so quiet!

When Jon came on as the new Executive Director in January, she was a one-woman show breathing new life into the Benzie Chamber. In the past month, we've doubled our team by adding Jen as our Administrative & Program Assistant, and we've moved into our new shared office with Brenna at the Frankfort-Elberta Area Chamber!

We are so excited to build back the Benzie Chamber better than ever, and to collaborate and share space with Brenna and the Frankfort-Elberta Chamber. It feels like we've hit the jackpot with this dream team, and we look forward to connecting with you here, on Instagram, or at an upcoming event!

04/28/2026

The ITCS Expansion program focuses on increasing the availability of child care with an emphasis on infants and toddlers ages 0-3 in both counties, ensuring that families have the support they need to thrive and providers earn a living wage.

This program is a collaboration utilizing expertise and support from child care professionals, organizations, businesses and community members, and is operated by the Leelanau Early Childhood Development Commission.

A team of collaborative child care and business experts will provide you with:

1. Financial assistance, for licensing and start-up or growth costs

2. Licensing coach, to guide you through the State’s child care license application process

3. Business Boot Camp, to plan, launch, expand and operate a child care business

4. Personal coach, to help you establish best child care practices and quality

5. Learning materials, like toys, books, and other resources

APPLY TODAY, IT'S FAST AND EASY! DEADLINE IS MAY 5, 2026. https://www.leelanauearlychildhood.org/itcs-2025-benzie/grand-traverse-cty

03/15/2026

Many Benzie area businesses and nonprofits are weighing their options about whether to close in light of the winter ice and snow storm currently hitting the entire County. Thanks to Cherryland Electric Cooperative and Consumers Energy for sharing their outage and emergency response plans with our members! Read more at the link.

Email from Benzie Area Chamber of Commerce Reports from Consumers Energy and Cherryland Electric       Ice & Wind Could Close Benzie Businesses Monday Sperry-Pitz ice index projections provided by Che

03/13/2026

Many thanks to our partners at the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance for supporting legislative advocacy in northern Michigan. Our new Executive Director, JA Willow (Jon) joined a cohort of 16 chambers in Lansing recently to meet with our elected officials and put our priorities front and center!

10/20/2024

Join the Benzie Chamber in Honor - October 21st 3p-5p for the final Municipal Mingle
Host: St.Ambrose Cellars
Sponsor:DTE Energy & Traverse City Tourism
RSVP: www.benzie.org/events

09/27/2024

Thank you to all of our Candidates & Support Staff that participated in our Candidates Breakfast today! Special thanks to our moderator Mark Klein, our presenting sponsor State Savings Bank, our host Crystal Mountain, and our supporting sponsor Traverse City Tourism.

State Representative Betsy Coffia
Lisa Trombley
State Representative John Roth
Cathy Albro .Albro
Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin staff-
Callie Barr
Congressman Jack Bergman - Rep. Jack Bergman staff-

09/23/2024

Join the Benzie Chamber in Frankfort - September 23rd 3p-5p
Host: Oliver Art Center
Sponsor: Traverse City Tourism
RSVP: www.benzie.org/events

09/16/2024

We had a team drop out this morning.

If you would like to enter a Foursome Team for the Golf Outing on WEDNESDAY, please email the Director..

Details: https://business.benzie.org/events/details/bacc-chamber-golf-outing-17191

[email protected]

09/06/2024

Last call for teams! Register by September 10th to play! We have a few slots left.
⛳️🏌‍♂️⛳️🏌‍♀️⛳️🏌⛳️

https://business.benzie.org/events/details/bacc-chamber-golf-outing-17191