The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance is a coalition of 16 chambers and economic development organizations from across northern Michigan. Our coalition exists to advocate for rural northern Michigan and move forward with rural-centric business policy.

Focus is given to supporting the success of existing northern Michigan businesses, developing and attracting a talented workforce in northern Michigan, and maximizing the competitiveness of the rural northern Michigan business environment. The Alliance includes nine Partners, one Supporting Partner, six Associate Partners, and over 7,000 member businesses from across northern Michigan.

Find the NMCA on the web and like us on Facebook! 

Manistee Area Chamber President & CEO, Carmen Kott represented Manistee County at Chamber Day at the Capitol.

The Michigan Chamber’s annual 2025 Chamber Day was an at-capacity crowd in the capital city’s Heritage Hall at the Capitol. Attendees discussed top issues affecting job providers with legislative leaders, were briefed by issue experts on the current dynamics molding our economic and political environments, and forged or renewed connections.

Pictured: Carmen Kott with Haley Bennett (Director of Government Relations for Traverse Connect and Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance)

From the City of Manistee, petitions are available for the Second, Fourth, and Sixth District City Council seats.

Council members for these districts will be elected for two-year terms at the November 4, 2025 election.

The following qualifications are required:

• Must be a registered voter of the City for not less than two (2) years immediately preceding the filing deadline.
• Must currently be registered and live in the open district.
• Must be at least 25 years old as of the filing deadline.

Nominating Petitions are available from the City Clerk’s office. Petitions require 25 signatures of registered voters from within district (but less than 50).

For more information, contact the City Clerk’s office (231) 398-2803 or email hpefley@manisteemi.gov.

Deadline for returning petitions is Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.

 The NMCA released findings from its regional survey on tariff and trade policy, revealing significant concern from small- and medium-sized businesses over the economic impact of rising tariffs and global trade instability.

The survey, which collected 214 responses from businesses across sectors such as retail, manufacturing, construction, and professional services, found that a majority of businesses are experiencing a negative impact on their operations due to tariffs.

The NMCA is urging policymakers to prioritize economic stability for small businesses in trade and tariff decisions. It is important that our federal and state lawmakers understand the significant negative impact our local business community is experiencing, and we urge them to amplify this message to the federal administration.

To better understand the growing impacts of remote work in Northwest Michigan, Networks Northwest has kicked off the Northwest Michigan Remote Worker Study. Starting with the launch of the Northwest Michigan Remote Worker Survey, the study aims to gain insights into remote work trends throughout the region.

Responses to the survey will help with understanding the impact of remote work in the region and assist with informing future economic development strategies such as talent attraction and retention. Participation in the survey is voluntary and responses are kept anonymous. The survey should take about 8 minutes to respond and respondents to the survey are able to enter to win one of four $50 gift cards. The survey will be open until Monday, July 7, 2025. 

All Michigan businesses with 10 or less employees must comply with Michigan's Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) and related wage law updates by October 1st.

The Michigan Chamber is offering a Compliance Toolkit.

Save $50 with promo code TK-MAY.

Act now to avoid penalties and stay compliant by the October 1st deadline!

The Manistee Area Chamber encourages you to stay educated on how to contact your local legislators. Use the links below for information on your local state representative, state senator, and how to contact the Governor's Office.