December 2017
We are Listening!
Each year, your chamber requests your feedback in regard to your business challenges, business opportunities, and ways we can maximize your membership. Much of what we heard are things your chamber has been working on and will continue to work on in 2018.

Below are some of the highlights from the 2017 business member survey:

  1. The top three challenges impacting growth or management are shortage of qualified workers, healthcare costs, and an inexperienced workforce.
  2. The top 3 priorities for Muskegon County in terms of infrastructure should be to improve roads, create more walkable/bikeable pathways, and to lower energy costs.
  3. Continuing the development of Muskegon's waterfronts and ports remains a top priority.
  4. The most valued chamber benefits are Business Advocacy, Training and Networking, and Business Referrals.

Thank you to everyone who filled out our survey! Click here to view the full summary results.
Your chamber is comprised of over 1,200 business members of all sizes. We are proud to:

  1. Showcase your business in our business directory which gets over 10,000 views every month.
  2. Encourage member to member business activities through referrals and exclusive coupons.
  3. Manage the Lakeshore Community Cash program in an effort to keep cash local.
  4. Spotlight one chamber member per week with our #MemberMondays.
  5. Promote national small business events, national recognition days, and ribbon cuttings, grand openings, open houses, and anniversary celebrations.

We are all about promoting our members! Click here to learn more.
Party of the Year!
More than 300 people gathered at Bella Maria's Event Center to kick-off the holiday season with us. Thanks to everyone who joined us. Check out this photo gallery provided by FAR Photography from this year's hottest party!
New Opportunities
We've added some new opportunities for you to get in front of other business leaders and main decision makers next year. If you are interested in sponsoring an event or marketing to the business community, email  Dawn Johnson  or call her at 231-722-3751.

Click here   to view the sponsorship and marketing book.
Wednesday, January 31
Time: 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Ribbon cutting at 4:30 pm
Location: 1715 North Getty
Date:  Thursday, January 18
Time: 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: West Michigan Works! Office
Topic: Start 2018 on the right track and get all your employees Muskegon STAR! Certified. This program gives you and your staff the knowledge and resources to enhance your community as well as attract and retain talent.
Brought to you by : Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, West Michigan Works!, Visit Muskegon, and Watch Muskegon

Date: Friday, January 26
Time:  7:15 AM - 7:30 AM | Networking
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM | Program
Location:  Holiday Inn and Conference Center
Topic:  Learn about local economic trends from Dr. Paul Isely,  Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs in the Seidman College of Business at Grand Valley State University.
Sponsored by: Nichols, Manpower, and The Lakes Mall

Date: Wednesday, January 31
Time:  11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location:  Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce - Training Room
380 W. Western Ave. Muskegon, MI 49440, Suite 202
Topic: Marketing Your Business 101 by Laura Holmes from FineLine Creative.

REGISTRATION FOR ALL EVENTS CAN BE MADE ONLINE. CLICK HERE
November 20 - FineLine Creative

November 27 - Tim Stimers Design

December 4 - Great Lakes Motorcoach


Click Here to read more about #MemberMonday
Member Benefit: Talent Recruitment
Are you trying to recruit executive or skilled talent from outside the area? Your chamber offers free relocation packets as well as customized community tours.

How Community Tours Work
Step 1: Our community specialist Sue Carpenter will learn more about your prospective employee and their lifestyle activities.

Step 2: Sue will drive your prospective employee (and their family) around, showing off the area's best assets that are of interest to them.

Cost: $125/ per tour (available to Chamber members only) FREE for CEO recruitment

Book Your Tour
To learn more or schedule a tour for a potential employee, contact Sue at 231-722-3751 or click here to email.
Almost a year ago, Chamber Board of Directors Chair, Lee Coggin, selected our Chamber Theme for 2017. That theme was RESPECT, which focused on respecting Relationships, Education, Service, Play, Environment, Commerce and Tradition within the community.

Throughout the year, we have incorporated these focus points into our Chamber activities. Although with a new year comes a new theme, your chamber will carry on with RESPECT for this community and the remarkable stories that come from the Muskegon Lakeshore.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR CHAMBER