I want to take a moment to highlight the economic development goals that are driving our work this year. The chamber's goal remains the same: to make it easier to do business in Manistee County, strengthen our local economy, and improve quality of life.


You are encouraged to watch the below video and learn about our five guiding principles and the steps we have taken to fulfill these goals in the past quarter.



Andrew Stafford

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

Michigan Labor Market Information: https://milmi.org/datasearch/LAUS

Employment and Wages Data Viewer: https://data.bls.gov/cew/apps/data_views/data_views.htm#tab=Tables

Michigan Innovation Podcast: Hosted by Rose Odetta, the Michigan Innovation Podcast provided a valuable platform to highlight the Economic Development efforts of the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce. The episode focused on the range of resources available to support businesses in Manistee County and our strategic approach to driving economic growth in the region.


Business Enhancement Team: The Chamber attended the quarterly Business Enhancement Team meeting, which brings together local business service agencies for networking and roundtable discussion. These meetings help strengthen collaboration and keep partners informed on each other’s programs. Attendees were encouraged to bring event flyers, share key dates, and discuss updates—including a brief conversation around the Business Atlas.


Manistee Manufacturing Council: The Chamber’s President & CEO and Director of Economic Development attended the Q1 meeting of the Manistee Manufacturing Council. This important roundtable brings together major local manufacturers, including Martin Marietta, Morton Salt, PCA, and Fab-lite, to discuss shared opportunities, workforce challenges, and collaboration on regional growth strategies.


Northern Michigan Policy Conference: The Chamber participated in the Northern Michigan Policy Conference, a regional economic development event led by the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance. This year’s event was a collaborative, business-driven experience designed to deliver actionable goals and energize a shared vision for the future of the region.


Housing Action Team (HAT): The Director of Economic Development continued active participation in the monthly Housing Action Team meetings. HAT is committed to implementing real, tangible strategies to address housing challenges in Manistee County. The Chamber’s involvement ensures alignment with broader economic development efforts and community priorities.


Start-Up Bootcamp with 20Fathoms: The Manistee Area Chamber worked with 20Fathoms to bring a start-up bootcamp to Manistee, with classes having begun in April. Over a dozen individuals are signed up for the bootcamp and will receive hands-on work, furthering the progress on their ventures.

Paul Cova, Packaging Corporation of America

Jeff Dontz, Manistee County

Bill Gambill, City of Manistee

Carmen Kott, Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce

Sammie Lukaskiewicz, Manistee County Tourism Authority

Eugene Magnuson, Little River Holdings, LLC

Dennis McCarthy, Blarney Castle Oil & Propane

Kelly Tomaszewski, Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital

Scott Ward, West Shore Community College/IDC