ESCANABA — Back in April my article submission included information on upcoming ribbon cuttings. For businesses or organizations that may be new, or moving to a new location in Delta County, getting the public acquainted with the location and products or services offered, is a primary goal.

The Chamber of Commerce believes that some type of official opening such as an open house or ribbon-cutting ceremony serves the two-fold purpose of introducing our members to the community and helping to build goodwill and understanding among the public.

After the smiling faces gather and the ribbon is cut, then the time comes to share the celebration with the masses. In the last month, the Chamber has had the opportunity to facilitate five separate ribbon cuttings.

Pregnancy Services of Delta County held an open house and ribbon cutting on Tuesday, April 18 at their new location at 2501 1st Ave. No., Escanaba (former U.P. State Credit Union building). Pregnancy Services of Delta County was excited for the packed audience to see the new location offering four times the space of their previous location and share their large range of services offered to the community.

Highline held a grand opening of their new retail space located at 1300 Ludington Street, Escanaba on Thursday, April 27th. Those in attendance enjoyed food & drinks, prize drawings and celebrated the blazing fast service throughout the City of Escanaba. Highline was established to solve the internet problem for many unserved and underserved households throughout Michigan. Their Michigan service started in Delta, Sanilac, and Menominee Counties, and over the next 3-4 years, their blazing fast internet network will be available in every Upper Peninsula and Thumb county, serving over 50,000 households.

On Saturday April 29 the ribbon was cut, celebrating the new home of Sullivan’s Health and Fitness Solutions at 1605 Sheridan Road. Sullivan’s Fitness offers personal training, group exercise classes, and gym memberships which creates life changing experiences through fitness while empowering customers with the confidence, education, and ability to achieve all your health & fitness goals.

A slightly different ribbon cutting was held on Sunday, May 14th to celebrate the maiden visit from American Queen Voyages docking in Escanaba at the North Shore Marine Terminal. The Escanaba City band was on hand along with members of Players de Noc, local dignitaries, and members of the community. Between now and October, American Queen Voyages will, as Vickie Micheau says, “Dock in the Noc” a total of 28 times.

After welcoming the newcomers from the cruise ship, it was time to welcome a Delta County Native back home. On May 16th the Ambassadors of Delta County gathered at Bay Veterinary Clinic to celebrate Dr. Lisa Gartland’s ownership of the clinic. Dr. Gartland who graduated from Escanaba High School and then Michigan State University practiced in Colorado for the past nine years before returning home with her husband Nick to purchase Bay Vet Clinic.

We would like to once again congratulate these five businesses and encourage the public to get out and support these, and all of our member businesses, who work year-round to contribute to the overall well-being of our waterfront community.

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