NEWS & UPDATES

NOVEMBER 2024

SMALL BUSINESS SEASON

Small Business Saturday

Saturday, November 30, 2024


We are in Small Business Season! According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, small businesses make up 99% of all business in the nation and account for ~40% of the United States' GDP... roughly trillions of dollars of economic activity.


Utilitze local gift certificates! manistee county ca$h is a county-wide certificate program available for purchase online 24/7 and accepted at 30+ locations.


Interested in participating?

Contact Nicole Kaminski: programs@manisteechamber.com.

How else can we support small businesses this holiday season?

  • Buy, dine, and visit small
  • Write reviews
  • Tell friends about your favorite places
  • Share posts about shopping locally and your favorite businesses on social media
  • Check in on social media when shopping, dining, and visiting local
  • Don't forget to tag @Downtown Manistee on Facebook!

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Decorate Your Storefront and Home!

Manistee County Community Christmas

Now accepting entries. Map & Voting Form go live November 25

Entries accepted through the entire months of November and December


Are you decorating your storefront for the Christmas season! If yes, then you should participate in the Manistee County Community Christmas! Hosted by the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce. There is NO cost to participate: it only takes a minute or two to sign up and get on the Christmas map, which forms a driving route through Manistee County for the public to view and vote for their favorite entries.


The public map and voting go live on November 25, but we will accept additional entries through the entire months of November and December. The final day to vote is December 31.


The Manistee Area Chamber thanks 4Front Credit Union for presenting this year's Manistee County Community Christmas, as well as Boyer Agency, Highstreet Insurance & Financial Services, Jermaine Sullivan Realtor, River Financial Planners, and The Historic Vogue Theatre for sponsoring this annual program.

CLICK HERE TO GET ON THE MAP
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

Parade Warming Station: Volunteers Needed!

Saturday, December 7, 3:00 - 6:00 PM


Preceding the Victorian Sleighbell Parade, West Shore Community College is providing water, cookies, and space to get some wartmh at the Downtown Manistee Education Center (400 River Street), free of charge.


Interested in volunteering for one hour? Volunteers will be needed to greet guests, set up, serve cookies/water, and tear up. Sign up today!

Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend

Thursday, December 5 - Sunday, December 8


It's time to get ready for one of Manistee's most festive occasions! For information regarding the event schedule, volunteer opportunities, and more, please visit the Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend webpage.

City2Shore Port City Associates: Armory Silent Auction

Items from Businesses Wanted


City2Shore Port City Associates is accepting donations from businesses and community members for their silent auction, taking place during the Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend. All proceeds will go directly to the Armory Youth Project. Donations are being accepted up until November 29.


If you are interested in donating an item, please contact Emmersyn Sheaks:

e.sheaks@city2shore.com, or 231-655-2944

Whether you are a long-standing business owner or are brand new to Manistee County, we invite YOU to this exclusive networking opportunity with a Christmas twist!


WHEN: Thursday, December 5, 2024, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

WHERE: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee MI

COST: $15 for Chamber Investors, $25 for Non-Investors


WHY ATTEND? Look forward to food, drinks, conversation, LIVE music by Jeremy Engwall, a raffle, and a sneak peak at the Festival of Trees by the Lakeside Club of Manistee County, as we kickoff the Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend.


Presented by West Shore Bank. Sponsored by Spicer Group, Inc., Ludington Beverage, and Talon Group Title & Escrow Agency.

GET YOUR UNTAPPED TICKETS TODAY

Ladies Night

Wednesday, December 11, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Men's Night

Wednesday, December 18, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM


Sometimes, a night out with friends is exactly what you need! Be sure to plan ahead for Ladies Night and Men's Night. This is the perfect opportunity for customers to get their final holiday shopping done, and for our downtown merchants to create their own special promotions.

LIKE OUR EVENTS ON FACEBOOK!

DOWNTOWN BUSINESS CONNECTION MEETINGS

We invite and welcome everyone to participate in the monthly Downtown Business meetings which are held in person on the third Tuesday of the month at 8:30 AM, located at 400 River Street, Manistee MI.


The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 19 at 8:30 AM located at 400 River Street, Manistee MI - Classroom A.


Here you may have a casual conversation with your fellow merchants where you can receive updates, discuss new ideas/challenges, or ask questions.

DDA BOARD MEETINGS

The Downtown Development Authority Board meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 8:30 AM, located at 400 River Street, Manistee MI.


PREVIOUS BOARD MEETING AGENDAS

August 14, 2024 Agenda

September 11, 2024 Agenda

October 9, 2024 Agenda

November 13, 2024 Agenda


UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS

December 11, 2024

January 8, 2025

February 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

"The 'Stee" SOCIAL DISTRICT

Open 7 days a week

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM


PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS

  1. The Outsider
  2. Fricano's Manistee River
  3. North Channel Brewing Co.
  4. The Ramsdell Inn & TJ's Pub
  5. The Historic Vogue Theatre
  6. El Catrin Mexican Bar
  7. Taco 'Bout It Mexican Bar
  8. The Golden Stag
  9. Blue Fish Kitchen + Bar
  10. American Legion 10
  11. Third Life Brewing

Please be following the social district rules so that we can all enjoy the district safely.

View the Social District Rules & FAQs here.


PLEASE NOTE: All State of Michigan and City of Manistee laws apply, including but not limited to those prohibiting public intoxication, impaired driving, and serving alcohol to minors.



For any questions regarding the Social District, please contact Director@ManisteeDowntown.com


If you need more Social District stickers, please contact Nicole Kaminski at Programs@ManisteeChamber.com

ORDINANCE REMINDER

SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL FROM SIDEWALKS


The owner or occupant of any occupied or unoccupied business, building, or vacant lot within the Central Business District, as defined in this section, shall keep sidewalks adjacent to his or her property clear of snow and ice and not allow the same to accumulate for more than 24 hours.


Read the Full Ordinance HERE

Happy Holidays from the Manistee DDA!

Manistee Downtown Development Authority ManisteeDowntown.com
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