Over 200 people attended the 5^th Annual State of the Community Luncheon at the Odawa Casino Resort on Friday, February 5, 2010. The event was generously sponsored by Chase.

 

Every year we follow up the State of the Union and the State of the State Addresses with a quartet of reports on the state of things in our area. Dan Ledingham, Chairman of the State of the Community Committee, welcomed the community members

 

Chris Etienne, Sales Director at Bay Harbor Properties, presented the “State of Bay Harbor”. She spoke about the advances that Bay Harbor has made since its past as a cement plant and the movement toward a more “green” community.

 

Dr. John Scholten, Superintendent of the Public Schools of Petoskey, then spoke about the “State of our Public Schools”. He reported that although things are tough for any public schools in Michigan right now, our children still gain a great experience in our schools.

 

Reezie DeVet, President and CEO of Northern Michigan Regional Health Systems, spoke about the advances in our medical community in her speech “State of Health Care”. The audience was reassured that the quality of care in the Petoskey area rivals that of any major city.

 

Carlin Smith, President of the Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce, wrapped things up by speaking about the “State of the Economy”. He stated that although things look grim now, as long as we can embrace new kinds of manufacturing and commerce, Michigan will be fine. He also stressed that northern Michigan needs to continue welcoming people to the area as visitors and resorters.

To read the reports contributed by other community leaders, please click on the link below.