IN THIS ISSUE

  • New DOL Salary Threshold Now In Effect
  • 20 Years of Land Banking Presentation
  • Manistee Area Leadership Program Applications for 2024/25 Cohort Now Live
  • September Chamber UnTapped
  • ...and more!

New DOL Salary Threshold Now in Effect


The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)’s new rule on the required salary threshold for employees to qualify as exempt from overtime went into effect July 1. Employers of all sizes must comply to this rule.


For an employee to be exempt from overtime, they must be paid a salary above a specified threshold and meet the defined duties of their specific exemption such as executive, administrative, or professional.


Again, this rule applies to all employers of all shapes and sizes!

Read More Here.

The next State budget: what you need to know


On June 27, the Michigan Legislature passed the spending plan for fiscal year 2025 and sent it to Gov. Whitmer's desk for her enactment before the beginning of the state's fiscal year October 1.


The FY25 budget came in just under $83 billion, higher than both the Governor and Legislature’s proposed budgets from earlier this year. While this budget consists of more record-breaking funding, it also reserves $600 million on the state’s balance sheet for additional budget or legislative endeavors in the fall.

Read More Here

Manistee Hosts the Michigan Association of

Chamber Professionals CEO Summit


Kicking off on July 31, the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals CEO Summit. The CEO Summit is an exclusive networking opportunity for chamber executives and leaders around the state to connect on strategic initiatives facing their communities.


Conducted in a retreat setting to build camaraderie, chamber leaders speak openly and confidentially about leadership, management, and advocacy issues.

What a critical opportunity to have key conversations with chamber leaders across Michigan!

2024 Candidate Forum


Have you put this forum on your calendar yet? There will be three forums for State Representatives, County Commissioners, and City Council candidates. These forums are free to the public and will be moderated.


WHEN: Thursday, September 12, 2024, 5:00 PM


WHERE: Downtown Education Center

400 River Street, Manistee MI


Space is limited, so an RSVP will be required. The RSVP will go live once the forum line-up is confirmed. Stay tuned!

As you know, 2024 is an election year!

Please mind the following dates over the coming months:


July 23, 4:00 PM: Deadline for candidates running for office with the City of Manistee, any Villages, and School Boards to turn in their Affidavits and Petitions


July 23, 7:00 PM: Onekama Township Trustee Candidate Forum at the Farr Center, 5283 Main Street, Onekama; hosted by the League of Women Voters of Manistee County


July 27 to August 4: Early voting period for August's Primary Election


August 6: Primary Election


September 12: Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum


October 26 to November 3: Early voting period for November's General Election


November 5: General Election


Looking for more information about your vote and voter information? Go to the Michigan Voter Information Center website: mvic.sos.state.mi.us


To find your state representative, click here: michiganvotes.org/legislators


View the Manistee County Clerk's election page, including their official candidate list for the August Election: manisteecountymi.gov/308/Elections


Visit the Manistee City Clerk webpage, which includes information on voting locations, the absentee voter application, and more: manisteemi.gov/106/Clerk

Manistee selected for 20 Years of Land Banking in Michigan Presentation


On Friday, July 5th, the Manistee County Land Bank welcomed Joseph Rivet, the Director of the Michigan State Land Bank Authority to help celebrate the 20th anniversary of Land Banks in Michigan.


Thank you to the Manistee County Land Bank for the incredible work they have done to eliminate blight and increase housing and reactive properties throughout our community over the last 6 years. With the help of the Michigan State Land Bank Authority and its blight elimination program, the Manistee County Land Bank has been able to bring in $3 million of investment into our county over the last 2 years.


A special thanks to Rachel Nelson, Chair of the Manistee County Land Bank, and Gary Buren, Vice Chair of the Manistee County Land Bank, for highlighting the exceptional work being done within our county.

Looking for high school talent for your business?

Attend one of the EmergeNET virtual workshops!


The Michigan Chamber of Commerce is providing FREE virtual workshops about the platform, EmergeNET. EmergeNET uses video, virtual reality and other app-based technologies to support young adults with career exploration. It also connects them with employers for hands-on experiences.


Click here to view a demo of the platform.

Click Here to RSVP for a Workshop

Who Let the Dogs Out? First Street Beach Dog Park Ribbon Cutting


On Thursday, July 18, the Manistee Area Chamber performed the ribbon cutting for the Manistee Area Leadership Program 2023/2024 cohort's community project: improving the First Street Beach Dog Park.


The 2023/2024 cohort commenced in September of 2023 and concluded with this ceremony. Over the past several months, the cohort worked to upgrade the First Street Dog Park park with new amenities, such as the agility course, new benches, and a water dispenser.


This park is the result of the cohort's dedication to creating a space where dogs can play, socialize, and thrive.


Let’s continue to nurture this spirit of togetherness as we enjoy this wonderful addition to Manistee County!


Thank you to all of our presenting sponsors that made this year's program possible: Munson Healthcare Manistee HospitalFiler Credit Union, and West Shore Community College!

The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications to join the 10th Cohort of the Manistee Area Leadership Program!


It's our 10th year of the Manistee Area Leadership Program: can you believe it?! The Manistee Area Chamber is thrilled to be celebrating this important milestone for the program and the impact it has on Manistee County and the people within it.


This is a 9-month program that runs from September through May with a focus on creating knowledgeable and connected future leaders.


In completing the program, participants will:


  • Learn about the strengths, challenges, and opportunities in Manistee County. Find ways to put your skills and passions to work for greater community improvement.
  • Acquire a larger network of contacts and resources by meeting with current leaders. Learn from their wisdom, experience, and vision.
  • Expand your personal development either enhance current skills or gain new to become prepared for community leadership roles.
  • Collaborate with other local professionals throughout the program and build long-lasting relationships.
  • Become a future community leader who can anticipate change and act decisively.
  • Apply knowledge gained immediately to maximize contributions at current employers and organizations.


The deadline to submit your application is Friday, August 16, 2024.

Leadership Program Application

Downtown Manistee Sidewalk Sales

August 9 - 11

River Street, Manistee, MI 49660


This August, be sure to grab your favorite shopping pal and visit all our charming stores right here in Downtown Manistee. Sales will be taking place both inside and outside. Be ready to discover your favorite finds!

Save the Date! Chamber UnTapped September


While you're enjoying your summer, don't forget to mark your calendars for our next Chamber UnTapped! Join us on Thursday, September 19 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at the Manistee Elks Lodge No. 250, sponsored by Filer Credit Union, Snyder's Shoes, and Z's Rental Carts.

Get Your UnTapped Tickets Today!

Congratulations to Little River Casino Resort as they celebrate 25 years!

This weekend, July 19-21, Little River Casino Resort is hosting their 25th Anniversary Party.

More Info Here

Venture North & USDA Rural Development:

Call to Action Gathering

Wednesday, July 31, 9:00 AM & 2:30 PM


Venture North Funding and USDA Rural Development are cohosting a gathering to increase the understanding and use of financial resources designed to help small businesses and communities in Manistee County.


There will be two sessions:

9:00 AM, Wed. July 31

West Shore Community College Downtown Manistee Education Center

Room 121

400 River Street, Manistee MI


2:30 PM, Wed. July 31

Onekama Township Offices

5435 Main St. Onekama MI

RSVP Here

American Legion Manistee Post #10

105th Birthday BBQ

Saturday, August 3, 12:00 - 6:00 PM

10 Mason St, Manistee MI, 49660


FREE for Veterans and American Legion Members

$5.00 for all others


Food Service: 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Band: 12:30 - 4:30 PM

Silent Auction: 12:30 - 3:30 PM


On August 3, 2024, Manistee's American Legion Post 10 will be commemorating its 105th birthday celebration with a community centered barbecue and veterans benefit event. This year your generosity will benefit the mission of Wilwin lodge in nearby Custer along with a much-needed HVAC upgrade at the Post.


The Post's Birthday will offer a live band, outdoor activities, a silent auction, and activities for the kids. It's going to be a wonderful celebration of our community and the history of the Post!

COMMUNITY TRANSFORMERS

These businesses have gone above and beyond to invest in the Chamber,

ultimately benefiting our community. Thank you!

Watch our 2023 Impact Report

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