When the Michigan Credit Union Foundation (MCUF) began offering a grant during the pandemic to give back to essential workers, Calcite Credit Union jumped at the opportunity to show support for their community. Calcite Credit Union donated $5000, and the MCUF matched that donation to allow our institution to spread a total of $10,000 around the 5 counties we serve.

We started by purchasing gift certificates from 18 restaurants in Presque Isle, Cheboygan, and Emmet counties. We then spent a week dispersing those certificates to our community members via Facebook giveaway contests as well as giving them to members utilizing our drive thru services as a random act of kindness.

“Thank you for your kindness and generosity in purchasing gift certificates from us in this very difficult time. It is certainly appreciated,” said Bryan Fuhrman, owner of Retros Diner in Rogers City.

“Thank you for supporting our small businesses during this time. I hope this will spark more institutions to apply for grants like this in the near future,” commented Jim Waterston of the Black Sheep Baa & Grill in Cheboygan.

Throughout that same week, we showed much needed support for our essential workers by purchasing coffee, doughnuts, and even lunch for some of them!

“Throughout the pandemic we have been committed to assisting our members and community in various ways, but this outreach initiative has a special feeling. Our local restaurants and essential workers provide a value that can often be forgotten. Being able to support our community during difficult times is gratifying to everyone here at the credit union. We wish these funds could have been granted to each of our local businesses, but we are hopeful that this will spark a “buy local” mindset in our community,” beamed Matt Mertz, Calcite Credit Union’s new Chief Financial Officer.

“The fact that Calcite Credit Union was able to spread $10,000 throughout 3 counties speaks volumes to me. We impacted so many areas in our communities by helping out local businesses, providing a meal for community members, and showing support to our essential workers in such a trying time. Some businesses were so appreciative and called the credit union personally to thank us. It made me feel proud to be part of an organization that values doing the right thing for the sake of its community,” expressed loan officer and Cheboygan branch manager Yuri Bishop.

Thank you to all the essential workers, restaurants, and businesses owners who have worked tirelessly throughout these difficult times. Your hard work and dedication to our community does not go unnoticed and we appreciate each and every one of you!