Chamber News | November 19, 2024

November 19, 2024

Looking to boost your brand this holiday season? Sponsor the Chamber’s Holiday BASH or Jingle Bell Parade! It's the perfect way to connect with your community and grow your business visibility. Don't miss out—connect with Heather Solomon to learn more!

A Note of Thanks to Our Members

As we head into the Thanksgiving Holiday, I wanted to share a note of gratitude on behalf of the entire Chamber Team. The trust you have placed in us and your commitment to our community inspires us and drives us to serve each one of you with purpose every day.

Your continued support of The Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg allows us to continue fulfilling our mission of Empowering Businesses and Building Communities. It is a privilege and an honor for our team to work alongside such a passionate and innovative group of business leaders such as yourselves. Your contributions are plentiful, and they truly strengthen our community.

As we enter this holiday season, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on and celebrate all that we have achieved together. Thank you for being an integral part of The Chamber family and for trusting us to be your partner.

With much appreciation,

Mark R. Allen, IOM

President, Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg mallen@grandhavenchamber.org

Kathy Betts

Director of Finance

Sarah Khodl Director of Marketing & Communications

Heather Solomon Director of Membership Sales

Vicki Ellis

Director of Business & Education Connections

Lindsay Seacord

Office Coordinator

Abigail Wittkopp Community Events & Programs Manager

Earned Sick Time and Tipped Credit: Bills Introduced

New legislation was introduced in the House that would amend both the Earned Sick Time Act (House Bill 6057) and preserve the tipped minimum wage (House Bill 6056). The timeframe to get these bills through the House and into the Senate is narrow. The Chamber encourages the business community to continue communicating with lawmakers on the impacts these would have on their businesses and the importance of amending these acts.

The Chamber will continue to engage in this space so we can share updates and information. We encourage all businesses to engage and make their voices heard with lawmakers.

Locate your State Representative here

Locate your State Senator here

Contact the Governor's office here

Note: The information shared in this article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Businesses should contact their attorney for specific information and assistance in developing their organizational compliance plans.

Urgent Alert – Federal Court Strikes Down DOL’s 2024 Overtime Rule

On Friday, November 15, 2024, the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued a nationwide ruling invalidating the Department of Labor’s 2024 regulation that had increased the minimum salary levels required for exempt status under the Fair Labor standards Act (FLSA). This decision also overturned portions of the rule that had already gone into effect in July 2024.

Important Takeaways for Employers:

The planned increase to a $58,656 annual minimum salary for exempt employees, set for January 1, 2025, will not take effect.
Minimum salary requirements for exempt status revert to the 2019 rule: $684 per week ($35,568) annually.
Other 2024 provisions are also rolled back to the 2019 standards.

While the Department of Labor may appeal this decision, the upcoming presidential transition adds uncertainty about the rule’s long-term future.

The Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg will continue following this issue and continue to keep you informed of any new developments.

Spring Lake Fitness Lab in Spring Lake has combined fitness with technology to deliver the most efficient and effective workout plan. Experience personalized sessions that deliver a full-body workout in just 20 minutes.

Spring Lake Fitness Lab provides personalized and science-based strength training sessions that deliver a full-body workout in just 20 minutes. Suitable for all fitness levels, the cutting-edge technology, incorporates robotic control with state-of-the-art machines to elevate resistance training. It is a guided, trainer-driven workout, a great alternative to conventional equipment, free weights, and related injuries.

With an industry leading max force of over 2500 lbs. of precision resistance measured using the TruForce™ system, the machine provides exact levels of mechanical tension in three phases of a muscular contraction: concentric (lifting), eccentric (lowering), and isometric (holding). Using this technology, users will safely and efficiently achieve maximum results, building lean muscle mass and pushing to new limits.

As each individual progresses, the advanced technology keeps pace with an individualized work rate and provides biofeedback, delivering detailed progress tracking and real-time insights on performance.

SL Fitness Lab has two certified trainers and nutritional consultants: Alex Nelson and Casey Lownds. The certifications include:

*NASM Certified Nutrition Coach

*NASM Certified Personal Trainer

*NASM Certified Performance Enhancement Specialist

*NASM Certified Nutrition Coach

*High Intensity Training Specialist

*CPR/First Aid/AED

Fit Lab members also have access to included nutritional counseling and meal replacement, protein powders, and supplement options to enhance overall results. Nutrition consulting focuses on ensuring each person is getting enough protein and drinking enough water to incorporate strength training into workouts. Take advantage of tips and nutrition guides that inform and guide weight goals and overall goals on the health and wellness journey!

Schedule your first FREE session and experience a better workout! All you need is just 20 minutes per session. Customized plans available based on 1, 2 or 3x weekly sessions. Based on personal needs, the trainers will create a customized 3, 6, or 12-month plan aligned with each person's goals.

Find out more: at springlakefitlab.com or call 616.414.5881

It's time to start thinking about the Jingle Bell Parade! This annual event will be held Saturday, December 7 beginning at 6:00pm. Registration for parade entries is FULL! However, we do have volunteer opportunities available!

Learn more here

Last week the Chamber's Leads groups spent time volunteering for the Feeding America Food Truck. Each group donated $170 to cover the $850 sponsorship for the Feeding America Food Truck!

Thank you to everyone who joined us last week at the Holiday Inn for another successful Early Bird Breakfast! A special thanks to our incredible sponsors: Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, LMCU, Muskegon Country Club, Pulver Chiropractic, and Inside Out Bodyworks—your support makes these events possible!

Congratulations to Noto's at the Bil-Mar, the deserving recipient of the Ambassador Brick Award!

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for December's special edition Early Bird Breakfast: Meet Your Elected Officials. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to connect with local leaders.

Exciting news! The 2025 Early Bird Breakfasts are now scheduled! If you'd like to sponsor contact Heather Solomon at hsolomon@grandhavenchamber.org to learn more.

What a great BASH last week, hosted by MDV Interactive! It’s always inspiring to connect with fellow members and get an inside look at their businesses and the incredible work they do. Thank you for a fantastic evening!

Community Impact Day, May 14, 2025 – SAVE THE DATE!

Our Chamber is excited to participate in Community Impact Day with Chambers across the state. This strategic initiative fosters connections between businesses, communities, nonprofits, and the public sector aimed at leaving a lasting impact through an afternoon of volunteering followed by a high-energy celebration.

Groups of volunteers participate in the community to complete essential projects, develop vital connections, increase visibility for participating organizations, and save significant resources. The program supports community health improvement, team cohesion, and increased civic engagement.

Interested in learning more about how your organization and employees can participate? Contact Mark Allen at mallen@grandhavenchamber.org or 616.842.4910.

Support our upcoming events:

December: Holiday BASH, Jingle Bell Parade, Early Bird Breakfast - Meet Your Elected Officials

Looking into 2025? Contact Heather to secure your sponsorship opportunities for the 2025 year!

Emerging Leaders of the Lakeshore is a leadership program for professionals joining the workforce for the first time, for professionals re-engaging in the workforce after an extended leave, for professionals re-inventing their career path.

Emerging Leaders of the Lakeshore will help provide emerging leaders opportunities to generate business by developing trusted relationships and collaboration. This program will provide leadership training through workshops, engagement with local experts, and attending outings to learn about community investment. And this program will provide networking opportunities at local businesses to engage in a relaxed atmosphere.

Goals:

To empower professionals to learn from their peers.
To provide professional growth opportunities through interactive programs, workshops, engagement with local community leaders and attending outings to learn about community on a more granular level.
Create an informal environment for members to network and encourage relationship building between professionals who they might not ordinarily interact with.

To learn more about this program, contact Vicki Ellis at vellis@grandhavenchamber.org