A ‘banner year’ for many area businesses

REGION – Sunny skies, warm temperatures and a good economy meant lots of visitors and the sound of busy cash registers in businesses throughout Antrim and Kalkaska counties this past summer.

"It's truly been a banner season for Shanty Creek Resorts," said Chris Hale, vice president of sales and marketing for the popular tourist destination.

"Conferences and leisure travel have both been very strong, giving us excellent occupancy figures from late April through October," Hale continued. "Golf revenues for the season are also up year-over-year once again – and we aren’t anticipating much of a slowdown until early November."

Erin Koenig of Mancelona's NAPA Auto Parts and Brian Scott of Mancelona Hardware said that sales traffic was also brisk in eastern Antrim County.

"Our business was up this summer,” said Koenig. “It seems like our local customers have had good employment, which has allowed them to make vehicle repairs and improvements, and there's been an increase in tourist traffic needing vehicle parts and repairs as compared to previous years." 

Scott agreed.

"We've had a wonderful business year, with May through August being exceptional, he noted."

Scott attributed the increase in Mancelona's summer business to a combination of "great weather" and a strong economy.

Don Lash, of Captain's Choice Marine in Bellaire, also attributed a "fantastic" year to the summer's warm temperatures and clear skies.

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