As of February 21, 2025, the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) is now in effect. The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce is here to help you navigate the new regulations and ensure your business remains compliant. Click here to view our ESTA Resource page.

Earned Sick Time Law Q&A with the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO)

April 29, 12:00 - 1:00 PM

Free to Michigan Chamber members,

$25 to future Michigan Chamber members

To help businesses understand the new Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA), the Michigan Chamber is partnering with the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). Don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from the state agency responsible for enforcing the law and get your questions answered live!

City of Manistee Riverwalk Upgrades

The City of Manistee has received two grants to upgrade sections of the Riverwalk.

The first is a Federal Economic Development Administration grant, which is going towards upgrades to the South Riverwalk from the US-31 Bridge to the City Marina. Work on these upgrades is ongoing.

The second is a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant, which is going towards the complete rehabilitation of the North Riverwalk at Veteran's Park. Construction is expected to start Summer 2025.

The City of Manistee posts weekly construction updates on their website.

Free Startup Bootcamp: Powered by CO.STARTERS

April 7, 9, 14, and 16, 5:00 - 8:00 PM

400 River Street, Manistee MI

Are you or someone you know interested in a startup? Don't miss this opportunity, hosted by 20Fathoms!

During this four-part bootcamp, you'll collaboratively work with peers to strategize, problem solve, and apply business basics to your idea, venture, or small business. You will be challenged, your thoughts will be stretched, and you will be given concrete tools to bring your business to life!

Tribal Day

The 2024/2025 Manistee Area Leadership Program cohort embarked on a visit to the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Government Center to participate in Tribal Day.

Upon arrival, they were greeted by Ogema Romanelli and Tribal Manager William Willis. The day began with presentations from Jessica Steinberg on tribal history and the Natural Resources Department. Then they received a tour of the Water Treatment Facility from Gary Lewis and his team. The day concluded with a tour of the Little River Casino Resort from Leadership Alumni and Chamber Board member Lynn Saunders. The cohort is grateful for the collaborative efforts of all departments involved!



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! Thank you to Accident Fund Insurance Company of America, the lunch sponsor for the day.

FiveCAP: Imagination Library Services

Did you know? Through a partnership with FiveCAP, books are accessible via Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. This service gifts books free of charge to children from birth to age five.

Businesses Invited: Community Job Fair

Northwest Michigan Works! and the Armory Youth Project are partnering to host a Job Fair at the Armory Youth Project on Saturday, April 26th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

All employers with openings are welcome to register, especially if you have openings available for youth. Please register by April 18th in order to reserve your spot!

See the flyer to the right for more information.

FiveCAP: Imagination Library Services

If your Manistee County business needs help to fill gaps, from signage to equipment, renovations or more, a fund managed by Venture North Funding and Development may be what you need.

To learn more, contact Steve Brower at steve@venturenorthfunding.org or 231-499-3854.