SHARE:  
March 2017
New Year, New Theme!

This year, it's all about RESPECT! The new Chamber Theme, RESPECT, was selected by the Chamber Board of Directors Chair, Lee Coggin. "This theme will set the tone of all Chamber activities as the organization continues to lead the business community", says Lee Coggin.  The theme focuses on respecting Relationships, Education, Service, Play, Environment, Commerce and Tradition within the community. 

The Muskegon Lakeshore has a remarkable story to tell that is worthy of RESPECT. In the months to come, we are going to take time to talk about the achievements of the people, the education, the history, and more, all of which are a great source of pride for us. Keep your eye out for ways you can RESPECT this community and get involved! Click here for more information.  

Biggest Show Yet!

The 2017 Muskegon Home, Garden + DIY Show has continued to get bigger and better each year! This year more than 1,300 guests made their way through 46 exhibitor booths and 25 DIY and educational seminars.

New this year was a wine tasting, multiple landscaping displays, and a variety of new and exciting seminars The event was held at Fricano Event Center again this year, and had a high level of exhibitor and guest satisfaction.

"We are happy to feature local businesses and provide new ideas for our guests! Attendees really loved this year'r DIY semiars. We look forward to offering even more in 2018!", says Carla Flanders, the Event Director of the Muskegon Home, Garden + DIY Show.
Your Chamber Pushes The Great Lakes

Last week, Government Affairs Committee Member, Bill Loxterman and your Chamber Advocacy Coordinator, Rachel Stewart, were busy lobbying during a DC fly-in with other members of the Great Lakes Metro Chamber Coalition. Together, this coalition represents 40 Chambers of Commerce and 150,000 businesses in the Great Lakes Region.

Over two days, participants had 54 appointments with federal legislators and their staff to advocate for needed action on issues and appropriations that benefit our economy including the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a large scale infrastructure plan, immigration, the NAFTA Trade Agreement and energy. The coalition members also had a special opportunity to meet with Congressman Bill Huizenga for a private breakfast to discuss these issues with him.

"The Great Lakes Region has a tremendous impact on our nation and this was a timely fly-in to have the opportunity to speak with our federal legislators to take action now in these times of uncertainty with the proposed budget cuts to the GLRI that would have a huge impact on the region and Muskegon superficially." said Stewart.

"It is always a pleasure to serve the members and advocate for issues to support our local economy, especially things that impact the Great Lakes Region," added Stewart.

Shaking it up!
This month, we tried a new format for our Member Orientation to better serve you! In the past, we have held the event primarily in our training room allowing time for networking at the beginning and end of the event. The new format is much more interactive and get's people out of their seat.. literally!

It was time to switch things up so we could provide the best value for our members. We set up stations around the office suite and provided the attendees with a checklist so they would visit each station to learn about the multitude of benefits your Chamber has to offer.

As a result, the attendees of the March Member Orientation loved the new format. They enjoyed the quality networking time, as well as the one on one interaction they received at each station. Check out this quick video to get a glimpse of how it went!

In Remembrance

We would like to take a moment to remember the following members who have recently passed away. Their commitment and dedication to the Muskegon community was something we can all strive for!

Mary Lynn JourdenA longtime community member who was a co-founder and owner of Michigan's Adventure Amusement Park

Jim Duncan, A longtime member who founded Harborfront Interiors

Robert Morin, A community leader who played key roles in several organizations, but most notably played a significant role in bringing the USS Silversides Submarine to Muskegon
Member Benefit: Watch Muskegon Segment
Promote your business and support the county-wide image campaign!

We are partnering with WZZM 13 and Watch Muskegon to bring you an exclusive discounted advertising opportunity where you can feature your business on WZZM 13 in conjunction with Watch Muskegon.

For more information about how you can get involved, call your Chamber at 231-722-3751.

MOKA
Wednesday, March 29
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
6571 Henry St.

Treasure Hunt Antiques
Thursday, May 4
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
980 W. Broadway

Mission for Area People
Thursday, October 5
Time TBA
Muskegon County Club
2801 Lakeshore Dr.
Date: Friday, March 31, 2017
Time: 7:00 AM Registration
7:30 AM - 9:15 AM Program
Location: Holiday Inn & Conference Center Downtown Muskegon 
Topic: Hear from Arconic Leaders, Mike Pepper and Amy Heisser, who will talk about what the future of global manufacturing looks like.
Price: $18/member
$30/general admission
$225/corporate table of 8
Event Sponsors:  Rehmann, Spectrum Health

Date: Thursday, April 13, 2017
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Muskegon Innovation Hub
Topic : Learn free and low cost marketing tools that are included in your chamber membership benefits.
Price: Free
Event Partners: Downtown Muskegon Now, Muskegon Innovation Hub, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce

Date: Wednesday, April 19, 2017 
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Muskegon County Club | 2801 Lakeshore Dr.
Topic Meet the 2017 Entrepreneurs of Excellence, the Lakeshore's most innovative entrepreneurs! 
Price $40/member
$60/general admission
$325/corporate table of 8
Event Sponsors: Parmenter O'Toole, Next I.T., Rehmann, Comcast Business, West Shore Bank, Muskegon Innovation Hub, GoodTemps, Hines Corporation, Eagle Alloy, Muskegon County Airport, Production Fabricators


REGISTRATION FOR ALL EVENTS CAN BE MADE ONLINE. CLICK HERE



Click Here to read more about #MemberMonday
Applications are being  accepted for the
2017 Lakeshore ATHENA Scholarship!

Click Here for more information.