State of the Community

State of Human Services

By Lorraine Manary
Char-Em HSCB Collaborative Coordinator
& Pat Fralick
Director of Family & Community Health
Health Department of Northwest Michigan

The State of the Human Service industry in Emmet County is strong and able to provide a safety net to our citizens in these challenging economic times. Human Service providers include agencies providing services such as emergency food and clothing, addiction services, counseling, healthcare, mental health services, basic needs, crisis intervention, housing support and more. Emmet County is lucky to have a wealth of services to offer its citizens. Cuts in state funding coupled with increased need have challenged providers to meet the requests for services.

There were 384 new births to Emmet County residents in 2006. One in every three Emmet County Households includes children under age 18 (2000 census data). The average weekly cost (full-time) for childcare in our area is $124/child and the cost of infant daycare can easily approach $185/week. Working parents struggle to find affordable, quality daycare for their children.

Eligibility for pregnant women and infants to receive Medicaid Health Insurance, the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) nutrition program, and school reduced lunch is 185% above the poverty level. This is an annual income of $38,202 for a family of four people. There are 2,978 children ages 0-18 (36%) on Medicaid and 1,725 children ages 5-17 (34%) receiving free/reduced lunches.

Due to the economic reality we face, the area median income has dropped to a pre 2005 rate of $54,700 with a per capita income of $30,343 and the unemployment rate hovers at 8.1. With economic downturn comes an upswing in personal crisis and need. There is an increase in numbers of individuals struggling to make mortgage and rent payments and deciding between this or clothing, food, healthcare, heat & utilities. There were 178 foreclosures in Emmet County in 2007, an increase of 55% from 2006. Increases in violence, including domestic violence and child abuse & neglect, and substance abuse are evident as people try to deal with the stresses in their lives. In 2006 there were 531 investigations of child abuse and neglect allegations with 248 confirmed cases and 42 children in out-of-home placement.

Healthcare for individuals is an on-going challenge as businesses cut their benefits due to escalating health insurance costs. During the past year the Community Free Clinic closed its doors to non-Emmet County residents due to the increased need of citizens within the county. The need for medical and dental care for our residents without insurance will continue to be a challenge.

Persons 65 years and over comprise 15.2% of our county residents, this number is greater than the state average and growing. Services to seniors are another segment of the human service industry working hard to help us maintain our quality of life is we grow older.

"Life is mostly froth and bubble; Two things stand like stone: - Kindness in another's trouble, Courage in your own.” Author: Adam Lindsay Gordon (1833-70)

"If anyone is in need, just lend a hand and help them out." Author: Anonymous 6th Grader

State of Culture

By Liz Ahrens, Executive Director
Crooked Tree Arts Center

For one day, remove art from your life.
This means.....
no books, newspapers or any literature
no automobile, train, bus, airplane
no movies, television, music or radio
no house, apartment or dwelling
no roads, tools, communication
no cell phones, or IPODS
no food
no clothes
no fire

Because all of these items were created, by a creative, intuitive mind. We create everyday. And you may not think of it as art, but everything we do, is created.

So, without art in your life, you are sitting in the woods, beach or field.
Completely naked.

Nope, you can't do that. In today’s world, that's performance art!
The arts are a part of your daily life!

You need facts and impact? 
Annually the arts produce $166.2 billion in total economic activity with a significant national impact, generating the following: 

• 5.7 million full-time equivalent jobs 
• $104.2 billion in household income 
• $7.9 billion in local government tax revenues
• $9.1 billion in state government tax revenues 
• $12.6 billion in federal income tax revenues
  *Americans for the Arts, 2006

Locally, we have more than a dozen organizations providing cultural experiences and opportunities for our residents and visitors. Each organization contributes to our quality of life and economy. A generation is often defined by their contribution to humanity. As the voice for arts and culture in our community, I encourage you to embrace our history, visit our libraries and be inspired by the arts.

The next big idea is waiting to be created here in northern Michigan.

State of Emmet County

By Lyn Johnson, Controller
Emmet County

Emmet County was in good financial condition in 2007, as indicated by the General Fund Revenues exceeding the Expenditures on a consistent yearly basis. Due to the current economic conditions of the state and federal economies, State and Federal Grant programs have continued to cut back, Emmet County has been able to ride out these cuts in two key ways; 1) Part of the County’s revenue stream is connected to the steady increase in SEV and Taxable values. Emmet County has observed annual increases in these values from a low of 5.75% (Taxable) in 2004 and 6.78% (SEV) in 2007, to highs of 10.97% (Taxable) and 14.92% (SEV) in 2002. This continued increase in Taxable Value of property has more than doubled in Emmet County over the last ten years from $1.372 billion (1998) to $2.712 billion (2007). 2) The County has reduced some operation expenses and by streamlining some of its governmental functions in several departments in 2007. An example of this is the combining of the County’s Planning and Zoning Office with the Building Department, which was done without sacrificing the services expected by our citizens. The role of our Airport Manager Kelley Atkins was expanded this year to include all transportation and economic development efforts within the County. As part of his new duties the county was able to lift Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reverters that were on airport properties since the 1930s and 1940s. This will open airport lands to potential development and business opportunities as an ongoing effort with the Northern Lakes Economic Alliance to bring the much needed jobs to Emmet County. In 2008 we are anticipating the completion the County’s Comprehensive Plan, which will take into account the ten principles of smart-growth planning.

We continue to work with local and state governments and nonprofit organizations to improve recreation activities throughout Emmet County. An example of this is the purchase of the Horace property on US 31 South, which eliminated the final property gap in the trail system from Charlevoix to Petoskey. In 2007 the City of Petoskey received a grant, is expected to take ownership of all easements from the county, and will complete construction of the new trail by the fall of 2008. The County also continues to support its Park and Recreation Program with the recent acceptance of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant in 2007. This grant will allow us to improve camping and park facilities at Camp Pet-o-se-ga. The new campground loop is expected to be completed in the spring of 2008, with expanded parking, trails, a small boat launch, and a Beach Bathhouse completed in the fall of 2008. The county has also worked to expand our recreation lands in 2007 by completing an 18 month process with the DNR to attain properties slated for DNR disposal as part of the State’s Land Consolidation Program.

With our new vision of the future outlined in the 2008 Comprehensive Plan, the continued and steady increase in taxable values, and changes made in the functions and operational costs of the County; our financial status will observe little to no change for 2008.

State of Bay Harbor

By Chris Etienne, Sales Director
Bay Harbor Properties
Bay Harbor is now almost 14 years old, having had its official ground breaking ceremony on July 12, 1994. The community continues to grow and has become a global destination. There are now residents in the community from 23 states and 3 countries.

Beautiful weather, abundant event traffic, increased tourism and cross marketing opportunities between Victor International’s properties in Michigan and the British Virgin Islands contribute to the growth within the community.

The legacy lifestyle experiences offered in the community as a result of the various amenities greatly contribute to the uniqueness of Bay Harbor. Bay Harbor Lake Marina for example, which provides a home port to 70 seasonal boaters and thousands of transient boaters each year, has become a destination in itself. The Marina also hosts the annual Bay Harbor In-Water Boat Show, which will take place this year June 13-15 showcasing over 100 in-water and on-land exhibitors, as well as rendezvous and other special events.

The Village at Bay Harbor, which was built in 1999, has also become increasingly popular for residents, visitors, hotel guests and locals. Its boutique shops and dining options are open to the public every day, year-round. Merchant sales are positive and many of our proprietors have been here for a number of years.

The Bay Harbor Foundation was founded in 2004 by a group of property owners, business owners and employees. The Foundation is creating a legacy for charitable giving throughout northern Michigan and since its inception has raised and distributed over $500,000 to local non-profit organizations. The Foundation is now focusing on the creation of a performing arts center. The list of Friends of the Bay Harbor Foundation is ever expanding and they continue to seek further involvement and support. To become involved, contact the Foundation at 231-439-2700.

Bay Harbor is an award-winning resort community situated on 1,200 picturesque acres and five miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and exceeds previous standards for planning, quality, and luxurious world-class amenities. Bay Harbor is proud to be a recipient of the Urban Land Institute Award for Excellence. For more information on Bay Harbor call 231-439-2000, or visit bayharbor.com.

State of Bay View

By Rodney Slocum
Executive Director
Bay View Association

Bay View Association is finalizing plans for the 2008 Assembly season. Founded in 1875 as a Chautauqua institution, and since 1987 a National Historic Landmark, there are four program pillars that are the foundation of our community; religion, education, performing arts and recreation. Our programs have been enhanced and broadened in recent years in response to patrons’ requests. Most of our audience comes from outside of Bay View. All of our programs are open to the public.

Bay View Mission Statement

“The mission of the Bay View Association is to be an institution in which Christian values and traditions are central; to enrich the human experience for individuals and families within Bay View and the surrounding community through a seasonal program of religious, educational, cultural and recreational opportunities; and to provide a Christian perspective in a changing world.”

Bay View is a community of 447 seasonal homes, more than one-eighth as many residences as in the City of Petoskey. Cottages may be occupied only from May through October. It is a tradition for most of our families to return to celebrate summers in northern Michigan. Many have been coming for generations, some as many as five, six, and seven generations. As usual, we expect them to return this summer.

There are three commercial businesses in Bay View; Stafford’s Bay View Inn, The Terrace Inn, and The Gingerbread House bed and breakfast. Our cottagers are stakeholders in the Little Traverse Bay community and rely on local businesses to provide all goods and services. In return we provide enrichment programming for the greater community, a mutually beneficial relationship. Program attendance and revenues were up in 2007. We are cautiously optimistic of an increase again this summer.

State of Philanthropy

By Maureen Nicholson
Executive Director
Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation
The principles of philanthropy – giving, serving, and taking action for the common good – are deeply rooted in our American tradition and vital to our way of life.

In recent years, news stories about giving back abound. Giving back is in! This gifting trend and even mega-gifting trend began back when Bill Gates and Warren Buffett came together as partners to address world health issues. Then there was Sir Richard Branson on global warming and Oprah giving millions for schools in Africa. Even former presidents are writing books and doing their part. These mega philanthropists are making news with an old message – “giving back to one’s community is a good thing!”

Here in Emmet County, we’ve always known that supporting one another is the right thing to do. People in this community give and are generous. Whether that is from their faith, their upbringing or from their hearts, it is a part of the culture of this area.

The State of Michigan is currently in a challenging and changing economic environment, and this affects all parts of the community, including the philanthropic sector. Northern Michigan is not immune. When the State economy suffers and revenues are down, this effects any local nonprofit organization which provides services partly funded by state grants. And it can be a double whammy. At the same time state or federal grant dollars are reduced or flat – those same organizations often experience an increased demand for services – particularly in the social service sector.

However, grant dollars are not typically the largest source of funding for area nonprofit organizations. Whether in the area of health and human service, education, environment, arts and culture, or community development, all nonprofits depend heavily on individuals for donations and support to operate. Those donors -- you, me and our neighbors, both year round and summer -- are the local philanthropists. Whether you are a $10 donor, $10,000 donor, or a donor who is leaving a future bequest, you are a critical component that keeps our nonprofit sector here in good health.

Despite current challenges, there are many opportunities. Philanthropy is in – giving back is in. “Philanthropy is cool!” And, there is an increasing trend to focus on local philanthropy. People want to see their donations at work in their local community, and they want to know they had a positive impact and to see the results. Additionally, as baby boomers continue to reach their 60’s, area nonprofits will have an increased opportunity to gain support of a highly skilled group of volunteers and donors. Technology will continue to play an increasing role.

Finally, there is an extraordinary opportunity ahead. Recently, research commissioned by community foundations in Michigan, Illinois and Ohio, revealed data that tells us the potential generosity of our community is even greater than we ever imagined.

We’ve all heard reports of the intergenerational wealth transfer – the trillions that will be passed from the WWII generation to the Baby Boomers and then to Gen X and the next generation. What we know is that we are on the cusp of an unprecedented transfer of wealth. In the next 50 years it is anticipated that, in Emmet County alone, the transfer will be almost $5 billion. The same research study tells us that well over ½ billion dollars will be transferred between 2005 and 2015. What a golden opportunity.

The greatest thing about this study is that it helps us visualize the opportunity and set goals. Just think. In the next ten years, if just 5% of this transfer were invested in an endowed fund, an estimated $1.55 million could be available annually to improve the quality of life in our community and ensure a stronger future for Emmet County for generations to come. And that is what philanthropy is all about.