Strong retail sales in August, group says

The August Retail Index survey came in at 60.1 on the 100-point index, down from last August’s 73.2 but up from the 54.7 seen in July, according to the Michigan Retailers’ Association.

Index values above 50 generally indicate positive activity, the association says.

The survey showed half of respondents saw sales increase in August over July, 27% saw sales decline, and 23% reported no change. Just over half expect sales to increase through November, while 22% predict a decrease and 24% predict no change.

NAFCU offers Veteran’s

Coffee Hour

Northland Area Federal Credit Union, the North East Michigan Community Service Agency, United Way of Alpena, and the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary recently partnered to sponsor a Veteran’s Coffee Hour event at which a Scams, Schemes, and Fraud presentation was held.

Veterans were warned about the latest scams and fraud tactics and how payday lending offices often set up near military bases and the negative impact that has on U.S. troops.

Thunder Bay Resort among ‘Best of

the Best’

Destination Magazine has named Thunder Bay Resort’s elk-viewing dinner rides on the magazine’s “Best of the Best” adventure attractions in North America, the resort said in a news release.

The four-hour, horse-drawn rides through a 160-acre elk preserve have previously been honored by USA Today and Fox News, the resort said.

Whitmer

proclaims

Buy Nearby

Weekend

This weekend is Buy Nearby Weekend, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a poclamation.

“When more people support their local businesses and buy Michigan products, we can boost our economy, create jobs, and connect business owners with the talent they need to thrive in their communities,” Whitmer said in a statement. “I encourage all Michiganders to take the time this weekend to check out the businesses in their area. Our families, our communities, and our economy will all be better off because of it.”

Buy Nearby is an ongoing, year-round campaign to encourage Michiganders to buy from retail businesses where they live, work, or visit in Michigan instead of making out-of-state online purchases. This campaign helps more shopping dollars stay in our local communities and state economy.