Be a Part of the 20/20 Project

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Be a Part of the 20/20 Project

Northern Michigan Begins its Own Economic Recovery
Be a Part of the 20/20 Project

By Dave Baragrey

It is no secret that Michigan’s economy has been declining during the past couple of years. The auto manufacturers have reduced their workforce, newspapers have closed, home values have plummeted and the list goes on and on. Michigan’s unemployment rate has been the highest in the nation month after month. It seems as though every time we watch the news on television that another economic disaster has taken place.

However, we don’t hear about the independently owned businesses that have really taken a hit during this economic nightmare. Those small businesses in our town and neighboring towns throughout Northern Michigan may have been hit the hardest of all. The effect this has on community goes much deeper than just a store closing or struggling to keep the doors open. When these locally owned businesses hurt it cuts deep into our city tax base, our schools, our non-profit groups, our churches and our own households.

Independently owned Businesses are the backbone of any community. They support local charities, community events and everything from local youth programs to local senior programs. The owners are our neighbors. They belong to Service Organizations, Non-Profit Groups and serve on Local Boards and Committees. They volunteer their time for local charities, community events and fundraisers. They are our friends, our neighbors and our church family.

An equally important segment of our communities that have been affected are non-profit organizations. Many have seen the need for their services increase while resources have diminished. They are challenged to provide more with less money and less volunteer help. One of the goals of the 20/20 Project is to improve their situation.

Making our Communities a Better Place to Live.
As your effort to make our Northern Michigan communities a better place to live, spend time volunteering with local Non-Profit Organizations. We challenge you to commit to volunteer 20 hours of time per year to member organizations or commit to support the group with a financial commitment of $20 per month.

What Non-Profit Groups Qualify Participate?
The program or organization must provide a service providing needed health, welfare or recreational resources for local residents of Cheboygan County, Emmet County, Otsego County, Presque Isle County, Oscoda County, Montmorency County, Crawford, County, Antrim County or Charlevoix County. Qualifying organizations must be a not-for-profit organization and approved by the 20/20 Project Committee.
The registration fee for Non-Profit Organizations is underwritten by non-retail local businesses however, non-profit organizations must register to be listed as a member.

What Businesses Qualify to Participate?
Any local and independently owned private business headquartered in Michigan is eligible. Businesses that are publicly held or owned by corporations outside of Michigan are not eligible to participate in 20-20. Franchises that are locally operated by Independent business owners that otherwise qualify are eligible. If the business has more than one location, at least one of these locations must be located in Cheboygan County, Emmet County, Otsego County, Presque Isle County, Oscoda County, Montmorency County, Crawford, County, Antrim County or Charlevoix County. Businesses may contact the Weekly Choice or Charlevoix County News for details on how they can become involved.

Instead of Waiting for Something to Happen, Make Something Happen
We have a vision of building a stronger community by improving the economy and building stronger non-profit groups in Northern Michigan. Instead of waiting for something to happen to make the economy better in our communities, we are making something happen by bringing the people of Northern Michigan together in one initiative to rebuild and restore our local economy. The 20/20 Project redirects our focus on building up one another.

When you sign up for the 20/20 Project you will receive special offers that are only available to 20/20 Project partners. Your commitment will be to agree to spend $20 a month…by the 20th of each month for a year at 2 of the 20/20 Project business partners.
Residents of Northern Michigan can register for the 20/20 Project for free.

You will benefit from special offers that are only available to 20/20 Project members. Once a month we will e-mail you a list of special offers that are exclusively available to 20/20 Project members. You will be able to save money on your purchases while supporting Independent Business Owners in your community.

To jump start the program you can purchase one $40.00 gift card for $20.00. This gift card can be used to purchase items at any 20/20 Project Business Partner. Watch the Weekly Choice or Charlevoix County News every week for a list of Local Business Partners.

To sign up on-line go to www.WeeklyChoice.com or www.CharlevoixCountyNews.com. Once you are registered you will begin receiving the monthly offers that are exclusively available to 20/20 Project members.

The 20/20 Project promotes supporting non-profit organizations, shopping locally and benefits independently owned businesses right here in our Northern Michigan communities. Don't wait for a government bailout. Let's lead the way and begin the economic recovery right here in Northern Michigan. Sign up today!

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