Clean Sweep: Household Hazardous Waste Collection 2026

Properly dispose of unwanted household hazardous waste and help protect our community and environment through Clean Sweep 2026.

Collection Details:

• Saturday, August 15, 2026
• 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Manistee County Road Commission
• 8946 Chippewa Hwy, Bear Lake, MI
• Suggested minimum donation: $20

SAVE THE DATE:

2026 Candidate Forum

Mark your calendars for the annual Candidate Forum, hosted by the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce! This forum is FREE to the public and provides you the opportunity to meet local candidates in contested positions.

WHEN: Thursday, September 10, 2026

WHERE: West Shore Community College Manistee Downtown Education Center

400 River Street, Manistee MI

Your Voice Matters!

As the leading voice of Manistee County’s business community, the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to advocating for policies that strengthen our economy, support workforce development, and foster a competitive business environment.



If you or your organization are facing a legislative or regulatory challenge that affects your operations, we want to hear from you. Please use this form to request the Chamber’s support, engagement, or action on local, state, or federal policy matters.

Economic Development Investor Spotlight:

Manistee Tourism

Manistee Tourism is a valued partner in advancing the economic strength and visibility of Manistee County. Through its work to promote the area, support local businesses, and enhance the visitor experience, Manistee Tourism helps showcase the assets that make our community a great place to explore and connect.



As an Economic Development Investor, Manistee Tourism contributes to collaborative efforts focused on strengthening the county’s future and creating opportunities that benefit residents, businesses, and the broader community.

"From Manistee Tourism’s perspective, economic development and tourism should work as one. It’s about more than attracting visitors. It’s about building a community where people want to live, work, invest and raise a family. Today, we’re competing for more than tourists. We’re competing for businesses, talent, investment and new residents. Tourism is often someone’s first introduction to Manistee County. They may come for a weekend, but if we create a great experience, they may come back to open a business, buy a home or make this their community. That’s why tourism and economic development go hand in hand. Tourism opens the door, and economic development creates opportunities for people to stay and invest. When Manistee County succeeds, tourism succeeds. Working together means we’re investing in a stronger community, a stronger economy and a better future for everyone."

- Sammie Lukaskiewicz, Manistee Tourism

Venture North: Express Loan

Looking for flexible funding to support your business growth?

The Express Loan offers $5,000–$25,000 in financing with a quick and streamlined approval process for eligible startups and established businesses.

Funds may be used for:

• Equipment
• Inventory
• Working capital
• Façade improvements
• And more

Grant Funding Opportunities

Available Through MCCF

The Manistee County Community Foundation is now accepting grant inquiries for its 2026 Fall Grant Cycle.

Key Details:

• Grant Inquiry Deadline: September 15, 2026
• Funding Decisions Announced: By November 15, 2026
• First Step: Submit a Grant Inquiry Form
• Grant inquiries are accepted year-round and reviewed within approximately two weeks.
• Recreational projects requesting $5,000 or less may qualify for rolling funding through the Minger Family Endowment Fund, with decisions typically made within 45 days.

Full program details and guidelines can be found through Manistee County Community Foundation.

Applications Now Open for the Manistee Area Leadership Program

The Manistee Area Chamber is accepting applications for the 12th Cohort of the Manistee Area Leadership Program. This is a 9-month program that runs from September through May with a focus on creating knowledgeable and connected future leaders for Manistee County.

In completing the program, participants will:

• Gain a deeper understanding of Manistee County's strengths, challenges, and opportunities.
• Build your network by connecting with local leaders and learning from their experience.
• Develop your leadership skills to prepare for future community leadership roles.
• Collaborate with fellow professionals and build lasting relationships.
• Strengthen your ability to lead by anticipating change and making informed decisions.
• Apply what you learn to make a greater impact in your workplace and community.

The deadline to submit your application is Friday, August 14, 2026.

Sidewalk Sales: August 7th - 9th

Mark your calendars for Downtown Sidewalk Sales! Explore special deals, discover local businesses, and enjoy a vibrant shopping experience throughout downtown. Whether you're shopping or participating as a business, it's a great way to support local and experience the energy of downtown.

Facade Grant Program

Own a property in the Manistee Downtown District? Apply for a Manistee DDA Façade Grant, which helps fund exterior renovations and restorations. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis - any time is a great time to enhance your downtown property!

Ladies Nine & Wine

Only TWO team spots remain! Register now before they're gone.

Whether you're an experienced golfer or a first-timer, Ladies Nine & Wine is all about fun, networking, and connecting with other women in our community. Grab a team of four and enjoy nine holes of golf, wine, giveaways, laughter, and great company. No experience necessary!



Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Manistee National Golf & Resort

Thank you for being part of the 90th Manistee National Forest Festival!

Thank you for helping make this year's Festival another memorable community tradition. From the Independence Day Parade and live entertainment to the carnival, fireworks, and family activities, your participation is what brings the Festival to life.

The Manistee National Forest Festival is made possible through the dedication of our sponsors, volunteers, and those who work behind the scenes to create an unforgettable experience for our community. We are especially grateful to the City of Manistee Department of Public Works, City of Manistee Police Department, City of Manistee Fire Department, Manistee County Sheriff's Office, Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Police, Michigan State Police, U.S. Coast Guard Station Manistee, CERT Team, and every Festival sponsor for their continued support.

As we wrap up another incredible Festival, we're already looking ahead to 2027! If you're interested in becoming a sponsor and showcasing your business while supporting one of Manistee's longest-standing traditions, we'd love to connect.

For 2027 sponsorship opportunities, please contact Nicole Kaminski at operations@manisteechamber.com.

2027 Festival Dates: Wednesday, June 30 through Sunday, July 4, 2027.