2024 Impact Report

This past year brought about transformational change—both within our team and across the community—and we are excited to share just how far we’ve come, together.

How will changes to U.S. tariff and trade policies impact YOUR businesses/organizations? Input requested.

The Federal Government has recently announced several significant changes to the United States tariff and trade policies.

By completing this survey from the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance on how these proposed changes may impact your business, you ensure that YOUR insights are part of the conversation with policymakers.

The survey is short and should take less than two minutes to complete.

Michigan Hospitality Industry Employee Relief Fund

The Michigan Hospitality Industry Employee Relief Fund provides grants directly to struggling hospitality workers. Grants cover basic needs like groceries and rent while people recover from illness, injury, and natural disaster, as well as financial support in times of crisis.

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.

ServPro Culinary Certification Available

The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association is providing upcoming ServSafe classes as close as Ludington beginning May 6. Training opportunities include a Food Manager Certification, Alcohol Certification, Allergens Training, and Food Handler Certification.

Many of the training opportunities are also available online!

The 10th Cohort of the Manistee Area Leadership Program is hosting Celebrity Bartending THIS Friday to raise funds for the Art for All Project.



Join the cause and show your support for the project at Third Life Brewing!

TICKETS NOW LIVE: 2025 Annual Golf Outing

Wednesday June 18, 2025

Manistee Golf & Country Club

Tickets are LIVE for the Annual Golf Outing, presented by Smith & Eddy Insurance and Frankenmuth Insurance! Round up your team of four for the game of all games.

Are you not sure of all your team? Or prefer to be invoiced? Please call our office at (231) 723-2575 or email Nicole Kaminski at programs@manisteechamber.com to discuss your options.

The Manistee National Forest Festival Returns to its Roots!

Wednesday July 2 - July 6

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.

Vote for First Street Beach as Best Beach in Michigan!

First Street Beach in Manistee has been nominated once again for Best Beach in Michigan by USA Today 10Best. Help us resume this title by voting daily until May 19. You can once every single day!

First Street Beach won the title last year thanks to the support of our community... let's take home the title once again!

West Shore Bank Announced Acquisition of Auto Club Trust's Wealth Management, Investment Advisory & Trust Services Business

West Shore Bank is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Wealth Management, Investment Advisory and Trust services business of Auto Club Trust, FSB of Dearborn, MI in an all-cash transaction effective March 31, 2025. This strategic acquisition expands the bank’s trust and fiduciary capabilities further strengthening its commitment to providing comprehensive wealth management services.

Clients of Auto Club Trust’s Wealth Management, Investment Advisory and Trust services can expect the same high level of service and attention to detail they have always received from their local team, now backed by West Shore Bank’s expanded resources and deep expertise in trust and wealth management.

For more information about West Shore Bank’s trust and wealth management services, please

visit https://www.westshorebank.com/invest/plan/trust-and-investments.

Artist of the Month: Melanie Wade

The Kaleva Art Gallery is pleased to announce Melanie Wade as their Artist of the month! Mel works with colored aluminum wire, twisting it into all species of beautiful trees and plants. There are insect sculptures and tree magnets too. Amazing work! Stop by May 3 rd , noon to 2pm, to meet the Artist and share in light refreshments. Mel’s work will be featured all month and a more limited selection is always available in the Gallery. The Kaleva Art Gallery is located at 14449 Wuoksi Ave. in Kaleva. Friday and Sunday noon to 4, Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM.