Earned Sick Time Act and Minimum Wage Resources
The ESTA is here. Do you still feel lost on this legislation? Manistee Area Chamber is here to help and has resources for YOU, including links to recorded webinars, an attachment of the required LEO poster for employers, and additional resources from the Michigan Chamber.
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Great Lakes Tunnel Update
Coalition leaders recently called on the Ingham County Circuit Court to defend Midwest Residents Access to Affordable Energy by rejecting the Attorney General’s attempt to shut down Line 5 once again. While the court recently heard oral arguments, labor unions and workforce organizations asked the court to reject efforts to shut down the safe pipeline in the middle of winter, when thousands of residents rely on it for affordable home heating and much more.
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Ryan Howe of Summit Business Guides is offering two business workshops to the public.
Hone Your Business Execution
Monday, March 17th, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Learn about commonly needed skills in business: ideal client identification, essential meeting structures, talent assessment, and knowing the impact of “One”.
Exit Planning is Business Planning
Monday, March 24th, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Learn all about the exit planning process, including assessment, value drivers, risk management, and more.
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Both workshops at 400 River Street, Manistee MI (Classroom A).
Each workshop is $5 for Chamber Investors, $10 for Future Investors.
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Government Day
Last month, the Leadership Program Cohort spent the day immersing themselves in the world of Government and Justice in Manistee.
The morning started at the Manistee County Courthouse where the Cohort had the opportunity to engage in insightful conversations with Judge Henry, Prosecuting Attorney Jon Hauswirth Commissioners Dontz and Goodman, Mayor Sullivan, City Manager Bill Gambill, City and County Clerks: Heather Pefley and Shelli Johnson, County Treasurer Rachel Nelson, and the County Controller Lisa Sagala. These discussions were highly productive and educational, providing the cohort with an in-depth understanding of why leadership matters even in our local government systems.
During our day, we visited the Lakeshore Children's Advocacy Center to learn about the importance of advocating for safe and supportive environments for children and families. We also got the behind-the-scenes tour of the Manistee County Sheriff's Office and Central Dispatch Center. We ended the day at the Oaks Correctional Facility learning about their Leader Dog Program for the Blind.
A special thank you to our sponsors—Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital, Filer Credit Union, West Shore Community College, Republic Services, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan—for supporting the Manistee Area Leadership Program!
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Celebrity Bartending Fundraiser for "Art for All" Community Project
Wednesday, March 12, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Blue Slipper Tavern
8058 1st Street, Onekama MI
Special guest bartenders include:
Mayor Jermaine Sullivan – Manistee City
Assistant Superintendent Brooke McIsaac – Manistee ISD
Crystal Young - West Shore Community College
Mckenzie Bradford - Leadership Area Program Alumni
Come enjoy great food, drinks, and lively company—all while supporting a fantastic cause. Every tip collected goes directly to Art for All, helping bring creativity, inclusion, and expression to our community!
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Manistee DDA Applies for RAP Grant
The Manistee Downtown Development Authority (DDA) applied for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Revitalization and Placemaking (RAP) program. The City of Manistee and Spicer Group played a key role in applying for the grant. This program offers communities up to $1 million in match grant funding for placemaking/public infrastructure projects.
The DDA has been working on Streetscape for several years and has phased the project out to make it more feasible. The first phase of the streetscape redesign will take place on River Street between Oak Street and Spruce Street. A big part of the project is to convert the area of River Street by the fountain into a four-season event space.
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Manistee National Forest Festival:
Now Accepting Parade Applications & Event Submissions
The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the Manistee National Forest Festival... and YOU are invited to get involved!
Businesses across Manistee are encouraged to start thinking now about fun events/specials you will hold during this 5-day festival; fill out the Event Submission Form to be included on the festival website (and the easily-shareable brochure if you submit your event by June 6).
You are also invited to consider your entry to the Independence Day Parade on Friday, July 4th. Let's get into the spirit of the forest this year: floats of all kinds are STRONGLY encouraged. Get $25 off your entry fee when you sign up before 10:00 AM on May 1.
Please note that applications will only begin being reviewed in mid-March.
If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities for Forest Festival, please contact Nicole Kaminski at programs@manisteechamber.com.
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Please welcome the newest investors of the Manistee Area Chamber! | |
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Linabella: Linabella, a gift boutique based in Pentwater, is coming soon to Downtown Manistee. This shop specializes in modern, unique, and fun home, gift and apparel items.
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Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association: The SPLKA operates five lighthouses along Lake Michigan, including the Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse, Big Sable Point, Ludington North Breakwater, Little Sable Point, and White River Light Station. Their mission is to preserve, promote, educate the public, and make our lighthouses accessible to all.
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Kindred Spirits: Kindred Spirits is a mobile bartending business based in Northern Michigan, delighted to serve you. They specialize in bespoke beverage services for both private gatherings and public affairs. From intimate cocktail soirées to grand corporate galas, from festive holiday fetes to the sacred union of marriage, Kindred Spirits cater to every momentous event with finesse. They also cater for teenage gatherings with a fun array of non-alcoholic concoctions.
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Annual Saint Urho's Day Bake Sale
Saturday, March 15, Kaleva Art Gallery
The Kaleva Art Gallery's annual Saint Urho’s Day bake sale is Saturday, March 15. There will be Grasshopper cookies, Finnish Nissua bread, chocolates and more!
March also has Cindy Asiala as the gallery's Artist of the Month. She will be showing the history and progression of her sewing. Starting from childhood, with doll clothes and her own clothing, her first forays with a machine, repurposing found wool clothing with her mother, and hand stitching an entire quilt.
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3rd Annual Great Lakes Environmental Festival
Saturday, March 22, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Manistee High School
The 4th annual GLEF festival will feature a collection of short films and keynote speakers, and an After Glow at North Channel Brewery. This festival is FREE admission!
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