Gladwin Business & Professional Association

Meeting Minutes of Annual Meeting, February 4, 2026

 

Meeting called to order by Stacy Plude with introductions.

 

Meeting minutes of 1/7/2026 were emailed to members and distributed at the meeting.  Motion to accept meeting minutes as read by Tyler Schlitzkus.  2nd by Michael Murray.   All ayes.  Motion carried.

 

Treasurers Report was read by Lori Stout.

Checking Account:   $5,753.82

FOL:                                 4,236.12

TOS:                             14,786.50

Shop Gladwin:               362.51

Arts Events                     927.89

Street Festival            3,981.15

39 Paid Members

Motion to accept Treasurers Report as read by Jennifer Feuerstein.   2nd by Blair McGourty.  All ayes.  Motion carried.  2025 was a year in the black.  A motion was made by Michael Murray to accept the accounting report for 2025.  Seconded by Shannon Macon. All ayes.   Motion carried.  Lori Stout was thanked for her years of service as the GBPA Treasurer. 

 

Old Business:  

Miss Gladwin County Pageant:  The contestants from the Miss Gladwin County Pageant were welcomed.  They introduced themselves and told a little about themselves. 

Membership Update:  39 paid members.  GBPA Dues were due on January 31.  $100 per year.  Can pay online. 

GBPA Schedule of Events for 2025: The Easter Egg Hunt is April 4th.  Lori Stout has planned this event for many years. Thunder on the Strip will be May 16th, The Miss Gladwin County Pageant will be June 27th, The Street Festival will be July 11th with the first Street Festival meeting on March 3rd, Thursdays in the City is being organized, DALMAC Bike Tour will be the Thursday of Labor Day weekend,  The second Thunder on the Strip will be September 12th,  Fall in Gladwin will be in October, the Pumpkin Painting will be during Jeep Creep on October 17 and the Christmas Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade will be December 5th.  The theme for the 2026 Christmas Parade will be Winter Wonderland.   

Public Arts Update:  A meeting is scheduled for February 6th at noon at Redeemed Marketplace. 

Website:  The website is up to date with current events and photos. Andrew Rhind is doing a great job on the website. 

New Business:

Election of Officers:  A motion was made by Lori Stout that Kim Bruner, LaVel Smith, Blair McGourty, Michael Murray and Shannon Macon be reelected to their 2 year  positions for the years 2026 and 2027.   Seconded by Jennifer Feuerstein.  All ayes.   Motion carried. 

City Update:  Linda Winarski stated that it is difficult to get volunteers and that the City needs to establish a good working relationship with others.     

County Updates:  Karen Moore gave an update on the lakes situations. Possible grant funds are coming in to the County for Trout Lake.        

Chamber Updates: Legislative breakfast speakers are scheduled for upcoming months.  May 15th is the Chamber Golf Outing at Sugar Springs. .  Michael Murray said that the Chamber is thinking of having a Legislative Breakfast every month throughout the year. 

 BABA Update:  Tyler said the BABA annual meeting was January 14, 2026. 

Business Updates and Announcements:   Chris from Riverwalk Grill said the Sip and Savor events will be February 7th and March 14th.  $75 per person. Other events at Riverwalk will be Golf simulator tournaments, quilting retreat, scrapbook retreat, Murder Mystery show, weddings and overnight packages are available.  Jeep Creep will be October 17th.  Rivertown Inn can host parties, showers, swimming pool parties and packages are available.  The Gladwin County Leadership Program will have its graduation in February.  Dusty from the EDC is hosting coffee chats at Crave Coffeehouse.  Sheryl from Char Stonehouse said the contractors are busy and remodeling will be done soon.  Joe and Michael from Burkhart Presidio Insurance have been busy with clients insurance needs.  Jeff from Burkhart Presidio is concerned about cyber attacks/hacking of computers and whether your business has insurance to pay ransom if hacked.  Wilcox Contracting is working on the Beaverton walk/bike path and other projects in the area.  Jennifer from Heritage Tax said to be patient with tax preparers as there are many changes.   Concerning taxes to IRS, the Post Offices will not guarantee a post mark from the local Post Office unless you go inside and have it postmarked.  The IRS is moving away from sending in paper checks to them.  The IRS will not call or email you.   Shannon from Sugar Springs Marina said she is waiting for Spring and that the Boat Show is in March at Houghton Lake.   Selena from Myers for Tires said they have been busy.  Kim from the Transit said that rides are increasing.  Owner of Bazzle Bridal which is above Redeemed Marketplace and is family owned was in attendance as a new GBPA member. They have bridal gown sales, formal consignments and love being part of the community.  Lorraine from the PTO said there will be a photo station at the Galentine event and that the Princess Ball will be February 21 at the High School.  Lorraine from GAFT said the Roaring 20’s Murder Mystery is coming up in March at Riverwalk.  Jamie from Hospice of Gladwin said they are having an orientation for volunteers and that they are making Valentines for those at the Brook and Gladwin Nursing Home.  The Hospice 2nd Annual Bake Sale will be March 31 and April 1. Hospice is also preparing for the Annual Duck Race on July 11th.  Tyler from the Gladwin Record said they are busy.  Lori from the Council on Aging said they are giving Valentines to seniors along with cheese and crackers. Blair from Oasis and Chic Boutique said things are busy.  Spring clothing is coming in.  Stacy Plude asked that a GBPA photo be taken on this morning. 

 

Motion to adjourn by Jennifer Feuerstein. Seconded by Tyler Schlitzkus.  Meeting adjourned.

 

The next meeting will be March 4th at Riverwalk at 8 a.m.

 

LaVel Smith, GBPA Secretary