Blog

  • Congratulations to Kathy Kwierant, Winner of the Plein-Air Painting Contest

    Congratulations to Kathy Kwierant, Winner of the Plein-Air Painting Contest

    On Sunday, October 18th, we celebrated the conclusion of our first annual Plein Air Painting Contest at the Transfiguration Episcopal Church. It was a wonderful reception. We had about thirty people come and go to view the submissions, and we were delighted to celebrate the Public Choice voting winner, Kathy Wierant.

    We thank the Indian River Arts & Culture Council for their partnership on this wonderful event.

    Congratulations to Kathy Kwierant

    Kathy is a local artist who has been painting watercolors for over 50 years. She studied pastel professionally in Punta Gorda, Florida now makes her home in Indian River, not far from where she painted the bridge scene at Agnes  S. Andreae Nature Preserve. Congratulations Kathy!

  • Non-Partisan Voter Guide from League of Women Voters Now Available at the Indian River Chamber Office

    Non-Partisan Voter Guide from League of Women Voters Now Available at the Indian River Chamber Office

    Election day is drawing near! Become a more informed voter by reviewing the FREE non-partisan voter guide by the League of Women Voters, now available at the Indian River Chamber office.

  • Indian River, MI to Be Featured on Under the Radar, Premiering on PBS

    Indian River, MI to Be Featured on Under the Radar, Premiering on PBS

    We are thrilled to announce that Indian River, MI will be featured on Under the Radar, a PBS television program that showcases all the great things to do and places to see in Michigan.

    The Indian River episode will run on our local PBS station WCMU. Check it out on October 24th at 11:30am and Monday the 26th at 7:30pm. The show will also be available on the PBS website. We can’t wait for you to see it!

    The Chamber played a big part in planning the itinerary for the show-makers. We are so grateful for the opportunity to show off our amazing town and all of its attractions. Thank you to everybody who had a hand in making this episode a success!

  • Vendor Applications Now Open for 2026 Day-After-Thanskgiving Craft Show

    Vendor Applications Now Open for 2026 Day-After-Thanskgiving Craft Show

    We are excited to announce that vendor applications are now open for the 2026 Day-After-Thanskgiving Craft Show, hosted by the Indian River Resort Region Chamber of Commerce at the Inland Lakes High School in Indian River, MI.

    Vendor Applications

    • Registration Deadline November 20, 2026
    • Registration Refund Deadline November 1, 2026

    Vendor Application

  • Announcing Online Membership Renewals

    Announcing Online Membership Renewals

    Indian River Chamber Membership Is Going Online

    We’re making it easier to renew your membership with the Chamber!

    As part of the launch of our new website and updated membership system, we’re moving Chamber membership renewals online. Current Chamber members will soon receive an email with a personalized renewal link to set up their online membership.

    Current members: keep an eye out in your email for your personalized renewal link. The email will come from our technology partner, Tara Vancil of Northwoods Digital.

    What does this mean for current members?

    If you’re already an Indian River Chamber member, we’ve moved your existing membership information into our new system.

    All you need to do is watch your email for your personalized membership link. Follow the link to securely enter your payment information and activate your annual renewal.

    When you complete the process, your annual Chamber membership dues will be charged and your membership will be set to automatically renew each year on that date.

    That means no more remembering when your membership is due, tracking down an invoice, or mailing a check. Your Chamber membership will stay current automatically.

    Why are we making this change?

    Our goal is to make Chamber membership simpler for both our members and our staff and volunteers.

    Online membership and automatic annual renewal will help us spend less time managing paperwork and tracking down renewals, and more time doing what the Chamber is here to do: supporting our members, promoting our community, and connecting local businesses and organizations.

    Watch Your Inbox

    Current members will receive an email from the Indian River Chamber with their personalized membership activation link.

    Once you complete the secure payment process, you’re all set!

    Have questions or need help getting your membership set up? Contact the Chamber and we’ll be happy to help.

    Thank you for being a member of the Indian River Chamber of Commerce, and for being part of what makes the Indian River area such a special place to live, work, visit, and do business.

  • The 2027 Fourth of July Parade Will Be Held on Saturday July 3rd

    The 2027 Fourth of July Parade Will Be Held on Saturday July 3rd

    We wish to announce that the 2027 Fourth of July parade will be held on Saturday July 3rd at 10am. Further information will be provided as the date approaches. Thank you!

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

    Flood Disaster Assistance from the Small Business Administration at Our Offices

    UPDATE August 6, 2026 The SBA has extended their stay at the Indian River Resort Region Chamber of Commerce through the disaster declaration, which is currently set to end on August 28th at 5pm. Please stop by our offices to discuss your disaster relief options.

    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!