State of the Community 2026

The Petoskey Chamber’s 2026 State of the Community will take place in Ovation Hall at the Odawa Casino.  This is a fantastic multi-media conversation with several community leaders discussing key issues in our community.  You’ll leave the event knowing what’s new, what’s coming, what’s concerning, and what should be celebrated. 

The annual State of the Community will be Friday Feb. 6th
1:00 Doors open and light refreshments and networking.
Program will begin at 1:30 p.m.

Tickets are $25 each or $200 for a reserved table of 8

2026 State of the Community Speakers
 
Education – North Central Michigan College
Featuring: Cassandra Hernandez, Dean of Workforce and Continuing Education, North Central Michigan College.

Non-Profit – Emmet County Friendship Center, Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan, and Community Recovery Alliance.
Featuring: Denneen Smith, Executive Director, Emmet County Friendship Center, Gail Kloss, Executive Director, Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan, and Caitlin Koucky, Executive Director, Community Recovery Alliance.

Economic Growth- Bay View Association, Lavender Hill Farm
Featuring: Megan DeWindt, Executive Director, Bay View Association, Bill Mansfield, Proprietor, Lavender Hill Farm.

Government – City of Petoskey and Emmet County
Featuring: Shane Horn, City Manager, City of Petoskey, and David Boyer, County Administrator, Emmet County

Advocacy – Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance
Featuring: Dakota Baker, Director, Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance
 

Thank you to our sponsors!
Platinum Sponsor: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Gold Sponsor: Consumers Energy
Silver Sponsor: OHM Advisors
Bronze Sponsor: Networks Northwest, Munson Healthcare
Registration Sponsor: Amazon Hub
Venue Sponsor: Odawa Casino
Stage Sponsor: Little Traverse Furniture and Mattress

Reserve your tickets now for what is an exciting way to learn about the state of our community! 

You must register in advance for this event. Any cancellations after 2/2/2026 will be non-refundable.