ESCANABA — Communicate, Collaborate and Celebrate is a favorite expression of our fearless leader Vickie Micheau at the Delta County Chamber of Commerce. Our upcoming campaign celebrating random acts of kinds is a perfect example of this expression coming to life.

A few weeks back I received a call from Amy Martin of UP Health System, Home Care and Hospice. Amy had heard of an idea celebrating random acts of kindness in another community and shared that she would like to see a similar campaign done locally. Her desire was to find a unique way to offer our support to the restaurant industry that has been so negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Through our communication, we decided that celebrating the kindness that exists in our local communities, was one such way to achieve that goal.

In the spirit of collaboration, Amy reached out to her health care partners such as North Woods Place, while I reached out to Embers Credit Union, who has had much success with their Random Acts of Christmas Kindness promotion. After talking with Dylan Blonairz of Embers, it was clear that #EmbersTeamMembers were thrilled to be a part of this heart-warming campaign. Embers knows our local restaurants and taverns are a vital division of our communities, and they are happy to provide support during these challenging times.

And just like that, through communication and collaboration, the Chamber is excited to be teaming up with area businesses to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness week which begins February 14th. To highlight all the good that exists in the waterfront community, the Chamber is requesting submissions of Random Acts of Kindness that have been witnessed by area residents.

Those who wish to enter a submission should visit deltami.org/random-acts-of-kindness and fill out a simple form detailing a recent time when they have observed a Random Act of Kindness. Submissions will be eligible to win one of several gift cards to local restaurants and taverns.

The Campaign which is expected to last longer than just one week, is sponsored in part by Delta County Chamber of Commerce, Embers Credit Union, UP Health System Home Care and Hospice, and North Woods Place.

The Random Acts of Kindness Campaign is part of the Delta Chamber’s yearlong Centennial Celebration. The Chamber of Commerce vision is to be a community leader in fostering a healthy business environment; to promote integrity, good faith, and fair business practices. The Chamber represents interests and issues affecting the community; supporting initiatives that make Delta County a better community to call home, visit and conduct business.

It is through constant communication and collaboration that the Chamber has the pleasure of celebrating 100 years of being better together!

Visit deltami.org or Delta County, Michigan — Chamber of Commerce on Facebook for more information.

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Sheila Krueger is associate director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce