October 2017
First in the State and #27 in the Nation!
Your chamber's largest event, the Lakeshore Art Festival, is ranked 1st in the state of Michigan #27 in the nation for Classic & Contemporary Craft Shows by the Sunshine Artist Magazine. This ranking is up from #83 position in 2015. Lakeshore Art Festival brings an estimated 50,000 people to Muskegon County each year and continues to grow.
 
Sunshine Artist Magazine ranks the nation’s most-profitable fine art and craft festivals based on subscribers’ sales performance each year resulting in - Sunshine Artist Magazine 200 Best! Artist and exhibitor registration for the 2018 Lakeshore Art Festival is now open. Dates will be Friday, July 6 and Saturday, July 7. Visit the Lakeshore Art Festival website for more information.
Your Chamber Vice President Appointed
Dawn Johnson, your Chamber Vice President of Membership, was recently appointed to the Chair of the Midwest Board of Regents for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management.
 
“I am honored and excited to be working with such a great group of chamber, association, and non-profit leaders from all over the country. The work we do helps chambers grow, innovate, and thrive in these ever-changing and challenging times,” says Dawn Johnson.

Your chamber believes in strong professional development for its staff members to help the Muskegon Lakeshore business community continue to grow and thrive. 

Institute for Organization Management is a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the premier nonprofit professional development program for associations and chambers fostering growth through interactive learning and networking opportunities. For more information, contact Dawn Johnson at
231-722-3751.
Help Improve Our Local Business Climate
Your chamber is always looking to propel your business to the next level through your membership. One way we do that is to survey your business to not only learn about your challenges but to also get an understanding of the member benefits you find most valuable.

So, we need your feedback! Please take a few minutes to complete our 2017 Business Survey. It is ONLY 12 questions. Your response is greatly appreciated. Thank you for providing your voice from the business community!

Keeping Muskegon Moving Forward
Your chamber is behind the Watch Muskegon efforts including the new partnership with Rapid Growth's "On the Ground" news series. This series was created to celebrate and share the positive narratives happening in Muskegon County.

Do you know someone making a difference?
Nominate them as an Agent of Change! Your chamber wants your input. Who have you noticed really making a positive change in this community? The annual Agents of Change Stir Networking Event will be November 7, 2017 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at Handsome Hobos. To learn more about the event, click here. We will be accepting nominations until THIS FRIDAY at 4:00 pm.

Member Benefit: FREE Member Benefits
As a chamber member, you have a multitude of benefits to utilize for your business - many of which are FREE! Your chamber membership provides access to over 1,200 business members and leaders in the Muskegon community. Let us help you connect the dots!

So whether you are interested in promoting an event, sharing your big news, getting a deal or special to the community, or just getting your name out to your peers, we have the resources to help! Contact, Communications Manager, Jodi Kittle for more information.
RESPECT Highlight
Commerce. Take a minute to appreciate your role in commerce. Having best practices in regard to your goods and services as well as the interactions with your customers and other business leaders are intricate to your business success. Why is respecting commerce important?
  1. Commerce helps to increase our standard of living
  2. Commerce generates employment opportunities
  3. Commerce increases income and wealth
  4. Commerce helps in growth of industrial development
  5. Commerce helps during emergencies
Friday, October 13
Time: 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Ribbon Cutting at 1:30 pm
Location: 1700 E Apple Ave.

Wednesday, October 25
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Ribbon Cutting at 11:30 am
Location: 26 E Broadway

Friday, November 3
Time: TBA
Location: 1086 E. Sternberg Rd.

Thursday, November 9
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location: 281 Seminole Rd.

Thursday, November 16
Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Ribbon cutting at 4:30 pm
Location: 1991 Lakeshore Drive, Suite A.

Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Ribbon cutting at 4:30 pm
Location: 1715 North Getty
Date : Tuesday, October 17
Time: 11:45 AM - 1:15 PM
Location : Maranatha Bible & Missionary Conference Center
Topic: The Chamber's newest networking event is a fun way to generate new business leads. Don't forget to bring your business cards and have your "elevator pitch" ready!
Sponsored by : Maranatha Bible & Missionary Conference

Date:  Thursday, October 19
Time: 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: West Michigan Works!
Topic: The Muskegon STAR! Program provides individuals the tools to excel at customer interaction and enhance the overall experience for tourists, guests, friends, and fellow employees. BE THE REASON someone moves to, invests in, or visits the Muskegon Lakeshore.
Brought to you by : Fifth Third Bank, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, and West Michigan Works!

Date: Friday, October 27
Time:  7:30 - 9:00 AM
Location:  Holiday Inn and Conference Center
Topic:  Join us for a breakfast to hear from Charles Robertson, CEO of Pearl Seas Cruises.
Sponsored by: Best Financial Credit Union and Worksighted

REGISTRATION FOR ALL EVENTS CAN BE MADE ONLINE. CLICK HERE


September 25  - West Shore Bank

September 18 - Forrest Tax & Accounting

Click Here to read more about #MemberMonday
Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Care Network of Michigan
Mercy Health of Muskegon
Sonus Hearing Care
Warner Norcross & Judd
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