REGISTER TODAY!

Please join us for this invaluable conversation on how to do and market your business in a seasonal community. Featuring special speaker Colleen Bearup of Entrench'd. $10 for Chamber Investors, which includes lunch provided by The Bungalow Inn!

Tariff Impact Survey

In an effort to address trade asymmetries on bilateral and multilateral bases, President Trump announced his plan Wednesday to impose reciprocal tariffs against nearly every U.S. trading partner.

• If the tariffs – slated to go into effect April 9 – remain in place, they would raise effective tariff rates to nearly 20%.
• Trump also announced a baseline rate of 10% on all imports, effective April 5.
• Canada and Mexico were spared from reciprocal tariffs, in line with some expectations and a positive development for the region.
• The implementing executive order carved out certain import categories from the new levies.

Click here to learn more about the specifications of these tariffs from the Michigan Chamber.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce wants to know your thoughts on this evolving situation. Complete their survey and tell how your business could be potentially impact by tariffs.

Your voice is CRITICAL!

Funds Available for Manistee County Businesses

If your Manistee County business needs help to fill gaps, from signage to equipment, renovations or more, a fund managed by Venture North Funding and Development may be what you need.

To learn more, contact Steve Brower at steve@venturenorthfunding.org or 231-499-3854.

Leadership Lansing Trip

On March 26th, the Manistee Area Leadership Program had the opportunity to travel to Lansing, where they joined the Cadillac Leadership Program for a day of learning and exploration at the Michigan Capitol and Heritage Hall.

The cohort heard from an outstanding lineup of speakers, including Craig Ryan (AAA Director of Government Relations), Nate Engle (MDARD Director of Community Engagement), Terri Langley (Michigan Executive Director of Disability Network), Representative Roth, and a staff representative for Senator Hoitenga. Their insights and expertise provided valuable perspectives on government, advocacy, and community engagement.

A special thank you to Patrick Tiedt (Consumers Energy Government Affairs Coordinator for Lake, Mecosta, Missaukee, Osceola, and Wexford counties) for his assistance in organizing the day and for leading our cohort on an informative and engaging tour of the Capitol.

Thank you to Manistee County Transportation for ensuring our Leadership cohort made it safely to and from Lansing and a special thank you to Bethany Miller of the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce for including us on this trip and for all her time and effort in coordinating the day.

Thank you to our sponsors— Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital, Filer Credit Union, West Shore Community College, Republic Services, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan — for their support of the Manistee Area Leadership Program!

The Manistee National Forest Festival Returns to its Roots!

Wednesday July 2 - Sunday July 6, 2025

Plenty to look forward to this Manistee National Forest Festival... and this year, we are bringing it back to the forest.

This year's festival comes in the spirit of the Manistee Forest and the deep history that has shaped our community. That said, you are encourage think about how your business/organization can tell part of Manistee County's story and imbue SPIRIT into this year's festival.

APPLICATIONS ARE LIVE FOR THE INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE!

Get $25 off your entry fee when you sign up before May 1. What will YOUR parade float look like this year? The time to plan ahead is NOW.

Community input for this year's Grand Marshall are also being accepted. The Grand Marshall is a local hero and longstanding citizen of Manistee County that helps lead the parade down River Street. Nominations being considered until May 15.

Lakeshore Property Solutions is offering special deals and offers on property services this month.

Contact Nick Fortier at 231-410-8887 or nick@lakeshorepropertysolutions.com to learn more.