Page 10 - LRCC June 2021 Focus

VOICE OF SMALL BUSINESS

Safely Navigating the Covid Crisis

he Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce Voice of Small Business
campaign continues to recognize the tremendous ability of our region’s small
businesses to overcome the many obstacles created by the Covid 19 pandemic. Through their social
TEach month LRCC has recognized several small businesses that have stood mission, Blue Cross Blue
out through the campaign themes of resiliency, teamwork, community, innovation, Shield and Blue Care
safety, and opportunity. Network of Michigan

(Blue Cross) works
This month, we feature six organizations that excelled in safety in coping with the
Covid pandemic: Michigrain Distillery, Michigan Princess, The Northfork Estate, to increase access to
The Plant Professionals. Doberman Technologies and Dr. Susan Maples, DDS. affordable care, enhance the quality of care and improve the overall health of Michigan
citizens and their communities. Blue Cross has generously underwritten the LRCC Voice
of Small Business campaign.

Ellis says because the company was able to pivot and produce sanitizer, they have
now been able to shift and keep their company going and sell bulk ethanol, which
has been in demand around the country due to an ethanol shortage.

Whether you’re looking for an unpackaged spirit for your distribution or venue
or want to enjoy a pour in their tasting room, Michigrain has a handcrafted spirit
that will meet your tastes. For more information, visit michigrain.net.

Michigrain Distillery

Michigrain Distillery is truly a one-of-a-kind distillery. Their spirits are distilled
with obsessive attention to quality and detail. They utilize techniques that have
been used for 650 years combined with cutting-edge science to deliver spirits
that leave an impression. By partnering with local farmers in and around the
community to supply their state-of-the-art facility with an endless bounty of
premium grain, MichiGrain completely redefines what neutral grain spirits can Michigan Princess
provide to the increased demands of the rapidly growing craft spirits industry.
Michigan Princess Riverboat is in the business of creating unforgettable memories
Michigrain was proud to step up during the pandemic and produce much-needed for their passengers. Their four-boat fleet includes the Michigan Princess, Grand
hand sanitizer. Princess, Little Traverse Bay Ferry, and the Detroit Princess.

“It started early in the pandemic when we heard there was a shortage of hand “From the friendly crew to the top-notch food and beverage options, the Michigan
sanitizer, said Scott Ellis, who serves as Michigrain CEO and co-owns with Princess is the best way to experience the Grand River up close, said current
his partner Mike Bird. “I was at my son’s school, and they were talking about owner and operator Chris Chamberlain.
making homemade versions of hand sanitizer. My partner jumped on board and
we started to figure it out.” Michigan Princess is family-owned, focusing on family-centered events including;
weddings, proms, graduation parties, anniversary/family reunion events, Fall
Michigrain started by selling hand sanitizer using ethanol to make their vodka Color Tours, and Murder Mystery Cruises.
and baby oil. When it became apparent the pandemic would last longer than
we all thought, Michigrain researched federal rules and began to produce FDA- The company was forced to not operate its boats in 2020, due to the Covid-19
approved hand sanitizer. pandemic. Chamberlain and his team had to decide how to keep the company
afloat with the business shuttered for the year. A new company was created,
“We switched gears 100 percent and began making sanitizer for local police and MI Medical Supply, that made hand sanitizer. The products are available at
fire departments and many other places,” said Ellis. COSTCO and all over the Midwest.

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