Blog

  • Flood Disaster Assistance from the Small Business Administration at Our Offices

    Flood Disaster Assistance from the Small Business Administration at Our Offices

    On June 2, Governor Whitmer announced that President Donald J. Trump approved Michigan’s request for a major disaster declaration to help communities impacted by severe storms, heavy rain, snowmelt, and nine confirmed tornadoes that caused widespread damage and flooding in 43 counties across Michigan between April 10 and April 21.

    This means that business owners, non-profits, homeowners, and renters in Indian River and surrounding areas affected by this spring’s floods may be eligible for disaster assistance from the United States Small Business Administration (SBA).

    The SBA will be set up at the Indian River Resort Region Chamber of Commerce office Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Sunday. They have people here available to answer questions, and help guide you through the process of seeking disaster assistance.

    Get Help from the Small Business Administration

    Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; closed Sunday.

    Indian River Resort Region Chamber of Commerce
    3453 S. Straits Hwy
    Indian River, MI 49749

     

  • Winners of the 2026 Duck Race

    Winners of the 2026 Duck Race

    Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Old Fashioned Days duck races on the Indian River!

     

    • 1st Place Duck #395 – Huck Nash $300
    • 2nd Place Duck #160 Alicia DeChape $160
    • 3rd Place Duck #396 Dorothy Michiels $100

    It was a wonderful evening and fun was had by all!

  • Thank You to All Who Supported the Little Log Cabin Renovation Project

    Thank You to All Who Supported the Little Log Cabin Renovation Project

    We sincerely appreciate our members who donated toward our building renovation and are extremely pleased with the work performed for us by XLT Finishes. We give them a top notch recommendation!

    Check out pictures of the re-finished building below.

    Thank You to Our Members Who Supported the Building Renovation

    A heartfelt thank you goes out to the following businesses and individuals for sponsoring the Little Log Cabin Project:

    • Awakon Federal Credit Union
    • Dr. & Mrs.r Eugene T. Capuzzi
    • In Memory of Art Clark
    • Alan & Leanne Gillespie
    • Margaret & Roger Harris
    • Ken’s Village Market
    • The Tom Kuschinksi Trust
    • Michael’s Tavern & Steakhouse
    • Pat & Moria Monette
    • The Carriage House on Mullett Lake
    • In Memory of Bud Uhl
    • North Country Insurance Agency
    • Dave & Jane Olney
    • The Pollard Family
    • Sturgeon for Tomorrw – Black Lake Chapter
    • Sally & Tom Snyder
    • In Memory of Bill Besco
  • Welcome to Our New Website

    Welcome to Our New Website

    Today we are excited to announce a brand new version of our website irchamber.com, designed and developed by one of our very own members, Tara Vancil-Damm of Northwoods Digital.

    Our new website features a revamped Member Directory, an events calendar, a blog, and so much more.

    Become A Member Online

    We are most excited to announce that you can now become a member of the Indian River Resort Region Chamber of Commerce online! New members can sign up, pay for their membership, and complete their member profile online. And no more sending in a check every year! Your membership will automatically renew annually.

    If you are an existing member, and would like to take advantage of this new system, keep your eyes peeled for an email announcement for onboarding instructions.

    We hope you enjoy the new website!

  • Young Entrepenuers Wanted

    Young Entrepenuers Wanted

    We are looking for enterprising kids age 14 and younger who want to sell their outgrown toys, books, games, handmade craft items, or other objects at the Kids Market during the Craft Fair at the Old Fashioned Days in Downtown Indian River.

    You can purchase a vendor spot for $5.

    The Kids Market is Saturday June 20th, 2pm-4pm in between the trailhead parking lot and the 310 Station restaurant. Vendors may begin setting up at 1pm. Tents & tables are not provided.

    To sign up, collect a form from the Indian River Library or the Chamber office.

  • Rubber Ducks for Duck Race On Sale Now

    Rubber Ducks for Duck Race On Sale Now

    Rubber ducks for our annual Duck Race on the Indian River are on sale now! Ducks are $2 each. You can buy ducks at

    • The Indian River Chamber of Commerce
    • Wildwood Coffee
    • Seasons of the North Winery & Vineyard
    • Family Auto Sales and Service

    For more details about the Duck Race, visit the event page.

  • Participate in the 2026 Memorial Day Parade

    Participate in the 2026 Memorial Day Parade

    Help us honor the Heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice by participating in our 2026 Memorial Day Parade in Downtown Indian River.

    Event Page: 2026 Memorial Day Parade

    Anyone interested in participating in, or having a float in the parade can contact Chamber President Ron Morgan at (231) 881-5091 or the Chamber directly.

    Floats will be limited to the theme of the day with no advertisement or campaigning. Businesses with floats may display the business name. There will be no candy thrown. Those participating may walk along hand out flags to the youngsters if they choose.

  • Northern Express Now Available at the Indian River Chamber Office

    Northern Express Now Available at the Indian River Chamber Office

    Now available at the Indian River Chamber office is the weekly Northern Express, a free paper that gives you everything that you need to know about having a great time in Northern Michigan.

    Stop by the Indian River Chamber office in Downtown Indian River to pick up your copy.

    Get Directions

    3435 S. Straits Hwy
    Indian River, MI
    49749

  • Flood Cleanup Resources at the Indian River Chamber of Commerce

    Flood Cleanup Resources at the Indian River Chamber of Commerce

    Our hearts are with everybody affected by these devastating floods. The Indian River Chamber of Commerce has resources available to assist residents with their immediate cleanup needs.

    Free Drinking Water

    Potable water is available in the township parking lot next to the library via Ramsby Well Drilling. It is recommended that you DO NOT drink well water right now as it is likely contaminated.

    Please bring your own container to fill and remember to turn off the spigot. This site is monitored 24/7.

    Free Debris Cleanup

    Available for immediate pick-up are contractor bags in bundles of 15 along with disposable gloves. Stop by the Chamber, or if you are unable to pick them up, please contact the Chamber and we will work to get them to you.

    Free Water Cleanup

    A limited number of wet/dry vacs and submersible sump pumps are available to borrow in 24-hour increments. Either stop by the Chamber office if the “Open” sign is on, or call to arrange for pickup.

    These resources have been provided to our community thanks to the generosity of the Home Depot of Petoskey and Lowe’s of Petoskey in addition to a few individual donors.

    Free Pet Food

    The Chamber is offering modest-sized containers of dog food.

    Free Toiletries

    The Chamber is also offering some personal hygiene products.

    Free Phone Charging

    If you need a phone charging station, the Chamber offers drop-off and pick-up service.

    Shelter & Rest Area

    A Red Cross emergency shelter will be available soon with details to follow.

    In the meantime, the Glow Community Center is providing a safe, comfortable space to rest or be refreshed during the day. Food or snacks will be available:

    • 4/17/26 9-5
    • 4/19/26 11-5
    • 4/21/26 9-2
    • 4/23/26 9-2

    If you would like to offer resources or if you can provide any physical labor/help, please contact the Chamber at (231) 238-9325.