May 2018
Recognizing Entrepreneurs Since 1982
Over 150 business leaders gathered at the annual E-Awards Luncheon April 27th to celebrate seven successful entrepreneurs making an impact on the Muskegon Lakeshore.

Lari Hines, Owner of Salon 297 Hair Studio and Day Spa , was named the 2018 Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year for her hard work and dedication since opening her salon in 1987.

Your chamber has been celebrating entrepreneurs making a difference through this award program since 1982 and we don't plan on stopping anytime soon!

"This community will not be sustained if people don't start businesses," said your Chamber President, Cindy Larsen. "We want people to know that businesses are started all the time, and they're growing all the time."

Congratulations ALL 2018 Entrepreneurs of Excellence:

Meet Bre McCarthy!
Please help me in welcoming Bre McCarthy, the newest addition to your Chamber team! Bre graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Design and Entrepreneurship.

Her title at the Chamber is “Marketing Specialist,” and she will be focusing on various design projects, social media strategy and the Chamber website.

If Bre looks familiar, it’s because you have seen her in the Chamber office before! She interned last summer and was a huge help with the Lakeshore Art Festival, the Chamber Classic Golf Outing, and more.

Bre is very excited to be back in Muskegon, as a part of your Chamber team! Feel free to pop in the Chamber office and say hello!
Government and Business Coming Together
Your chamber organized its 2nd Economic Summit event this April which brought over 150 government officials and business leaders together to discuss health and safety in the workplace.

Among the many topics of discussion, it was clear in Tim Sowton's presentation that Michigan has proved to be strong in a variety of categories when compared to our state peers and the top 10 ranked states.

Michigan has been excelling in the following:
  • Economic Development Expenditures
  • Innovation with an exceeding number of patents issued
  • University Research and Development

Tim Sowton is the VP for Government Affairs and Public Policy for Business Leaders for Michigan.

Another highlight was Gary Allore, President of Mercy Health, who gave an update on the new Mercy Health Mercy Campus on Sherman Ave.

Other presenters included: Dale D. Quigley, Deputy Coordinator for HIDTA National Marijuana Initiative; DJ Hilson, Muskegon County Prosecutor; and a panel discussion facilitated by Lisa Sabourin, President of the Employers Association of West Michigan.
On the Road Again!
Your Chamber staff and ambassador’s made 38 visits this month during our “Business Visit Blitz” in the North Muskegon area.

The monthly BLITZ is your chance to ask Chamber questions and learn more about what's happening in the area!

Didn’t see us? No worries. Your Chamber will be conducting these blitzes once a month.

A huge thanks to Steak 'N Egger for donating lunch and to Chase Hammond Golf Course for hosting the meeting.

Want to get involved? Call Dawn Johnson at 231-722-3751.
Opening a new location, won an award, celebrating a milestone, or just simply want to celebrate your business?

Our member celebration kits maximize the promotion of your event.

Date: Thursday, June 14
Time : 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM - EVENING SESSION
Location : Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce
Topic : Get the knowledge and resources to enhance your community as well as attract and retain talent.
Brought to you by : Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, West Michigan Works!, Visit Muskegon, and Watch Muskegon

Date: Thursday, June 21
Time: 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Location: The Deck on Pere Marquette Beach
Topic: FREE community orientation and networking event for your area interns.
Event Sponsor: Arconic
Transportation Sponsor: L3 Combat Propulsion System

Date: Thursday, June 21
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: The Deck on Pere Marquette Beach
Topic: Recognizing 15 outstanding and upcoming young professionals in the Muskegon Lakeshore region.
Sponsor: Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

Date: Thursday, July 19
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: West Michigan Works!
Topic: Get the knowledge and resources to enhance your community as well as attract and retain talent.
Brought to you by: Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, West Michigan Works!, Visit Muskegon, and Watch Muskegon

Date: Friday, August 24
Time: 7:30 AM & 1:30 PM tee times
Location: Stonegate Golf Club
Topic: 18 holes including raffle prizes, entry gifts, keg on the course, snacks, contest holes, provided lunch, and golfer awards.
Sponsors: Smith Haughey, Next I.T LLC, Paramenter Law, Eagle Alloy Inc., Fifth Third Bank- Seminole

REGISTRATION FOR ALL EVENTS CAN BE MADE ONLINE. CLICK HERE
An easy online gifting program that can be used just like cash at over 70 local businesses.
Shop Muskegon!
Applications are being accepted for the
2018 Lakeshore ATHENA Scholarship!

Click Here  for more information.
Build Your Own Marketing Funnel
This week on The Chamber’s Quick Tip, we look at a real-life marketing funnel and break down exactly how to build your own.
 
Each Thursday, a new 2-3 minute video will be released. Check back each week for the newest Chamber Quick Tip video.

Get in front of over 400 members each month by becoming a sponsor on this page. Contact Dawn Johnson for more information!
Hist-o-gram Stories: 2011
Your Chamber was the lead on relocating the Muskegon Farmers Market to Downtown Muskegon.

This was a strategic way to kick start downtown redevelopment on the former Muskegon Mall property.

Today, the Muskegon Farmers Market get well over 12,000 visitors on Saturday's alone!

Each month, we are recognizing a historic moment of the Chamber's history in what we are calling "Hist-o-gram Stories". Visit our Facebook and Instagram page for our monthly Hist-o-gram Stories!
Member Benefit: Integrity Business Solutions
If you're not saving $$ on your office supplies, you should be!

The Chamber partners with  Integrity Business Solutions   to offer members  EXCLUSIVE benefits such as: 
  • Discounts on already low-priced office supplies
  • Free next day delivery with no minimum order size
  • Custom online ordering system
  • "No Hassle" return policy
  • Local, knowledgeable support representatives
  • Online reporting: track budgets, control costs, improve efficiency

For more information about how you can save money on your office supplies call Integrity Business Solutions at 231-799-9799.