Workshop

Gathering focuses on Web development

• The focus was on Web and niche product growth at an Aug. 24 gathering of Michigan daily newspaper publishers in Alpena.

A dozen publishers and representatives of the Michigan Press Association gathered at the Marine Sanctuary building in Alpena for the semi-annual conference of the Michigan League of Home Dailies. Among those invited to present was Peter Comings, online media manager for the Gaylord Herald Times, Petoskey News-Review and Charlevoix Courier.

Comings was joined by Tim Gapske, multimedia coordinator of the Alpena News, and Andy Klevorn, multimedia services manager of the Ludington Daily News.

“The three of us were asked to speak on our Web sites,” said Comings, “the ways we’re trying to innovate to meet consumers’ desires for content.”

For the Gaylord, Petoskey and Charlevoix newspapers, that meant sharing time between talking about northernmichigansearch.com — the company’s all-inclusive search of news, events, advertising and businesses in Northern Michigan — and MiSeasons.com, which ties the print Web sites together with blog, forum and Wiki software.

“The ideas we’re working on in Northern Michigan were very well received,” said Comings. “It was also very instructive to see what others are doing to push their boundaries.”

The  Michigan League of Home Dailies is a group of 15 daily newspapers and two associate members which are interested in promoting and protecting the interests of journalism in Michigan. The group meets twice a year in workshop sessions and shares statistical information on a monthly basis so managers can track any trends developing in the state.

In addition, league members participate in electronic question-and-answer sessions with each other as needed on topics of interest within the industry. Bill Speer, publisher of The  Alpena News, is president of the league this year.

Event

Grayling chamber sponsors golf outing

• The Grayling Regional Chamber of Commerce will be holding the Friends of the Chamber Golf Outing Thursday, Sept. 27 at Fox Run Country Club.

The four-person team scramble includes 18 holes of golf, a cart and a box lunch. The fee per person is $45.  It begins with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Deadline to register is 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17.

To register or for more information, stop by the chamber, 213 S. James St., or call 348-2921.

A Business After Hours will follow at Fox Run Country Club from 5 to 7 p.m. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served and there will be a cash bar.

Seminar

Child care session scheduled in Grayling

• There will be a Child Care Information Session for those interested in becoming a licensed/registered child care provider. The session will be 1-2:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 24 at Michigan Works!, 4595 Salling, Grayling.

To register or for more information call Nancie Kersey at 731-3140 by Friday, Sept. 21.

Program

Enrollment deadline near for carbon-offset initiative

• The deadline for the first enrollment period of the Michigan Conservation and Climate Initiative (MCCI) is Friday, Sept. 14. MCCI is the innovative program that serves as the entry point into the U.S. carbon offset market for Michigan farmers and landowners.

A joint program of the Delta Institute, Michigan Association of Conservation Districts and the Michigan Dept. of Agriculture, MCCI provides a framework for farmers and landowners to enroll their lands and earn carbon-offset credits for implementing certain conservation practices that improve carbon sequestration on their land.

For more information on the MCCI program or to request an enrollment application visit your local conservation district office; contact Todd Parker at the Delta Institute, 517-482-8810; or visit www.michiganclimate.org.

Area conservation district offices include Otsego County,  800 Livingston Blvd., Suite 4A, 732-4021; Montmorency County, 13210 M-33 North, Atlanta, 989-785-4083; Crawford-Roscommon counties, 606 Lake St., Roscommon, 989-275-5231.

Fundraiser

Michigan 4C Association to host gathering

• The Michigan 4C Association in Lansing is holding “Sunset at the Harper House,” a reception and silent auction to support early childhood care and education in Michigan.

The event, 5 to 8 p.m., Monday, Sept. 17, is at the Harper House, 1408 N. Cambridge Road, Lansing. Tickets are $75.

Funds raised from this event will help the association offer child care provider training, services for parents and other resources for child care providers.

For reservations or more information on the event call 800-950-4171, ext. 16, or visit www.mi4c.org.

The local association, Child & Family Services of Northeast Michigan 4C, serves Otsego, Crawford, Montmorency, Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Iosco, Oscoda and Presque Isle counties from an office located at 1044 US-23 North, Alpena.

— To submit an item to ShopTalk, contact Cathy Landry at 748-4515, cathy@gaylordheraldtimes.com, or PO Box 598, Gaylord, MI 49734

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