IN THIS ISSUE

• Candidate Forum RSVP Now Available
• Brownfield Plan Receives City Council Approval
• DDA: Facade Grant 2024/2025 Cycle Applications
• See you at September's Chamber UnTapped!

Candidate Forum: RSVP Today!

The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce invites you to our nonpartisan Candidate Forum for the contested State Representative, County Commissioner and City Council seats, to explore candidates' stances on policies and issues that impact the business community. 

This forum will be moderated by Haley Bennett, Director of Government Relations for Traverse Connect and the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance.

This forum is free to attend, but requires an RSVP due to limited seating.

Date: Thursday, September 12, 2024

Location: 400 River Street, Manistee MI

Michigan's Earned Sick Time Act Webinar

The Michigan Supreme Court recently issued an opinion resulting in changes to the state’s earned sick time laws and established the Michigan Earned Sick Time Act.  In response, LEO Deputy Director of Labor Sean Egan will host a live webinar on Tuesday, August 27 from 2-2:45PM to discuss how the ruling affects workers and businesses.  

Participants can join the webinar virtually via Microsoft Teams.  

The webinar will include a live Q&A session, and participants are encouraged to email their questions before the event to leo-comms@michigan.gov.  

LEO’s Earned Sick Time Act resource page has updated materials, including FAQs.  

Brownfield Plan Receives Approval

This is a notable win!

On August 7, City Council approved a local Brownfield plan for 141 Washington Street (the Northern Hotel lot). This will allow the developer to recoup costs incurred when clearing the site of environmental contamination. Construction on the property is proposed to start in the spring of 2025, with plans to turn into a mixed-used residential and commercial/retail space.

The Chamber looks forward to watching this project develop! For more information, visit the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority webpage.

What Impact do you have by Shopping Local?

Consider this study from the Michigan Retailers Association and Buy Nearby

Facade Grant Applications

The Facade Grant program, offered through the Manistee DDA, offers financial assistance to commercial property owners seeking to renovate or restore the exterior of their buildings.

The cost of improvements to the exterior of a downtown building can be matched for up to 50%.

Go to ManisteeDowntown.com/Loans to apply. Please review the form carefully to ensure you are eligible to apply.

What Makes a DDA? The In's and Out's of your

Local Downtown Development Authority

by Andrew Stafford

Downtowns form the heart of nearly every city, town, and village. They are where small businesses thrive, and the sense of community is strongest. In many places, the fortunes of the downtown mirror those of the entire community— when the downtown prospers, so does the community; when it is in a state of decline, the whole town feels the impact. The City of Manistee is no exception; the vitality of our downtown is directly linked to the well-being of our entire community. It is not surprising, given the significance of downtowns, that communities create entire entities to support prosperity in downtowns: this is where a Downtown Development Authority comes in.

Save the Date! Chamber UnTapped September

While you're enjoying your summer, don't forget to get ready for our next Chamber UnTapped! Join us on Thursday, September 19 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at the Manistee Elks Lodge No. 250, sponsored by Filer Credit Union, Snyder's Shoes, and Z's Rental Carts.

A big CONGRATULATIONS to Johnson Sign Co. as they celebrate 60 years of business!



Throughout the lifetime of the company, many changes have occured, but they credit their continued success to their unshaken core values and long-standing relationships.

Entries Being Accepted for the Laborfest Parade

Entry Deadline: August 26

There is much to look forward to at this year's Laborfest, including the Laborfest Parade. The purpose of the parade is to honor workers and recognize their contributions to society. The parade is taking place Wednesday, August 31st, starting at the Armory Youth Project parking lot and proceeding down to the Lions Pavillion.

Questions? Email Mick Szymanski at mickszymanski52@gmail.com

The Laborfest is hosted by Salt City Rock & Blues.

Fall Grant Cycle Extended and New Team Member

The Manistee County Community Foundation has extended their application deadline for the Fall 2024 Grant Cycle to September 15, 2024. The Manistee County Community Foundation seeks community partners in need of grant support for projects to help make Manistee County a better place for all.

Interested applicants should first review the foundation's Grant Program Guidelines before completing the Grant Inquiry Form.

The chamber sends a congratulations to the Manistee County Community Foundation for their newest team member, Brandy Martin, Director of Finance & Operations!

Downtown Manistee: Fall Festival

Saturday, October 26

Save the date and visit Downtown Manistee for the Fall Festival!

The Fall Festival will be centralized from Manistee Inn & Marina to TJ's Pub and is currently accepting event submissions from downtown businesses. Those looking to host an event must review and submit the festival entry form by Sunday September 15.

Follow the Manistee Fall Festival on Facebook for the latest updates and information.

COMMUNITY TRANSFORMERS

These businesses have gone above and beyond to invest in the Chamber,

ultimately benefiting our community. Thank you!

Watch our 2023 Impact Report