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Updated: June 10, 2024 @ 9:00 am
WELCOME – Oscoda Area Convention and Visitors Bureau President Tim Kelstrom provided history of the organization at the Summer Kickoff held on Thursday, May 23 at From Huron Out.
ATTENDEES – Approximately 40 business owners, resort owners and representatives from nonprofit organizations attended the Summer Kickoff held on May 23.
WELCOME – Oscoda Area Convention and Visitors Bureau President Tim Kelstrom provided history of the organization at the Summer Kickoff held on Thursday, May 23 at From Huron Out.
ATTENDEES – Approximately 40 business owners, resort owners and representatives from nonprofit organizations attended the Summer Kickoff held on May 23.
OSCODA – The Oscoda Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) marked the start of the tourist season by holding a Summer Kickoff at From Huron Out on Thursday, May 23.
Approximately 40 resort owners, business owners, representatives from nonprofit organizations and supporters attended the event. Secretary of the CVB board Elena MacKenzie said the organization had been talking the past few years about expanding the event beyond CVB members to reach business owners. The occasion provided for networking and updates on local businesses and events.
Attendees were welcomed by Tim Kelstrom, president of the CVB. Kelstrom reported that last year there were 12 attendees at the meeting. According to Kelstrom, the CVB is funded by membership hotels under Public Act 59, that requires hotels, motels and resorts with 10 units or more to collect a pillow tax.
Kelstrom said that anyone is welcome to attend the CVB board meetings that are held on the first Thursday of the month and rotate to different locations. Information about the CVB and board meetings can be found on its website and Facebook page. The CVB can also be reached by phone at 989-729-0900.
Kelstrom reported that the CVB provided seed funding for a number of local events including Paul Bunyan Days, Rockfest, and Dash for Cash. The CVB supports the Oscoda AuSable Chamber of Commerce, the schools and business community.
MacKenzie, who owns both To the Moon and Back, a shop in downtown Oscoda, and the Anchorage Retreat Center in AuSable Township, spoke about the importance of businesses working together to promote the area. She commented on the unique beauty of the community and its diversity of businesses and ideas.
Kelstrom talked about the growth since he moved to the area in 1994 after the base closed and the majority of houses and resorts were put up for sale. He added that the all volunteer CVB takes pride in Oscoda.
Judy Shuler, secretary for the Wurtsmith Air Museum, asked if the CVB is still connected to Pure Michigan. Kelstom responded “yes” and reported that Under the Radar (UTR) will be coming back to Oscoda in the fall to tape another episode focused on local attractions. As reported, most recently UTR filmed in the area during the summer of 2023.
Kathy Erickson, who is co-chair of the AuSable River Canoe Marathon (ARCM) that is celebrating 76 years, spoke about the significance of the marathon to the area. Planning for the marathon starts in August for the following year. Currently seven members are working on the event and more volunteers are always needed. Erickson said the marathon can be followed live this year utilizing StarLink technology. The guide to the marathon is currently available locally.
Erickson reported that a 90-minute docuseries called “AuSable: River Race, Legendary” produced by Consumers Energy and the ARCM has been nominated for a Michigan Emmy. The series is available on the ARCM YouTube channel.
Kelly Brown spoke about her experience volunteering with the ARCM over the past four years. Brown also spoke about the OscodaBuzzHub.com, an online app that can be downloaded onto a cell phone that includes a calendar and event fliers.
Brown talked about the Oscoda Growth Alliance, a group of community leaders and change makers, who recently partnered with Develop Iosco to obtain a shoreline cleanup grant from Great Lakes Great Responsibility.
Cecilia Gabel, owner of the Sweetwater Sea Bed and Breakfast in Greenbush, asked about where she could find information about local events for her guests to attend. It was suggested to refer guests to the Oscoda BuzzHub. Gina Provenzano asked about how businesses can get their information included on the BuzzHub.
Belinda Kusibab talked about her business Queen Bee Soiree. She has four residencies this summer teaching painting classes at various resort locations throughout the area and in her home studio.
Sue Miller spoke about the Shoreline Players Theater that has been in the same location since 1998. She spoke about psychic Connie Smock who has been renting the Theater. Performances of Steel Magnolias will be starting in June and summer shows will be starting annually.
Sean Ahearne, representing Develop Iosco’s recreation and tourism committee, spoke about the Heritage Route US-23.
James and Melanie Rowden, owners of the Oscoda Biggby, said they have menus and coupons available for the resort owners to give to their guests.
Kelstrom invited Kelly Hume to speak about the Walleye Tournament that has been here since 2021. Hume said that Adam, her husband, is a professional fisherman. In order to get the tour to come to the area they had to raise $20,000. The CVB has helped sponsor the tournament which Hume said has had a positive economic impact on the community.
Emily Griffith, newest CVB board member, who is the new general manager at the Holiday Inn Express, spoke about the amenities available at the hotel.
Local attorney and member of the Oscoda-AuSable Chamber of Commerce board Vicki Hopcroft mentioned Ronni Fryer, the poet laureate of Oscoda, whose songs are written about the area.
Kelstrom mentioned the local trail guide that is currently available at the chamber.
During the event guests spent time networking while enjoying an array of appetizers and a cash bar. Sunrise to Sunshine Events & Marketing LLC was responsible for details of the event including planning, set up, menu selection and marketing.
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