Keeping Tabs on Potential Michigan State Government Shutdown: What Services Will Be Affected?

The Michigan Legislature must pass a balanced state budget by October 1st, or the state government will enter a shutdown. If shutdown, the Governor's office will have control over which state agencies and services will remain open.

The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance has provided a list (being updated as more information is received in the coming days) on which agencies would stop providing services if a shutdown becomes more likely. This is an incomplete list, but should provide you guidance on how to prepare if such a shutdown occurs.

2025 Michigan Economic Developers Association Basic Course

President & CEO, Carmen Kott, and Director of Economic Development (ED), Andrew Stafford, attended the 2025 Michigan Economic Developers Association Basic Course in Lansing. The agenda included developing small businesses, connecting with legislators, financing ED, ethical ED, and more.

Training such as this is crucial to ensuring the Chamber has timely knowledge to benefit businesses and organizations like you!

US-31 Construction Project Info Session

Wednesday, October 29th, 4:30 - 6:00 PM

400 River Street, Manistee MI

There will be an informational session with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) about the US-31 construction project scheduled to begin in 2027.

This is a forum made for business owners and tourism leaders and is put on in partnership with MDOT and the Manistee County Tourism Authority. We want you to stay informed on this project and how to best prepare!

Questions? Please contact Sammie Lukaskiewicz at sammie@visitmanisteecounty.com or Carmen Kott at carmen@manisteechamber.com.

20Fathoms Manistee Entreprenurial Meet-up

1st Monday of the month

5:30 PM

400 River Street, Manistee MI

No cost and no RSVP required!

Join 20Fathoms for monthly start up & small business coaching with a startup expert! Whether you are an entrepreneur getting started, a small business owner, looking for honest feedback, or recommendations on available resources, this is a great opportunity for anybody looking to take the next step.

Funds Available for Manistee County Businesses

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.

Put your hands together for the 11th Cohort of the Manistee Area Leadership Program!

On Friday, September 19th, the program kicked off with an energizing Opening Retreat sponsored by West Shore Bank at Portage Lake Covenant Bible Camp. The cohort participated in the CliftonStrengths assessment, guided by facilitator Janie McNabb, who helped participants uncover their unique strengths and learn how to collaborate more effectively throughout the program.

A big thank-you to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for sponsoring our Power Hour session!

Over the next nine months, we’ll be following this cohort as they grow, learn, and ultimately design and launch their Community Service Project. Stay tuned for updates along the journey!

The Manistee Area Leadership Program is proudly presented by Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital, West Shore Community College, and Filer Credit Union. Special thanks to our Roger Vasquez Sponsor, Republic Services.

Costumes, Candy, and LOTS of Fun for All!

There is something for the whole family at this year's Manistee Fall Festival in Downtown Manistee!

Visit River Street on Saturday, October 25 for a slew of activities, including a scarecrow competition, scavenger hunt, trick or treating, pie throwing, meet & greet with first responders, costume contest, and much more!

Visit the festival website for the latest information.

Save the Date for Ignite Manistee: a LIVE Pitch Competition!

Thursday, November 20th

400 River Street

This event is designed to foster small business prosperity and economic growth within Manistee County's vibrant entrepreneurship community.

Up-and-coming businesses will have the chance to make their pitch to elevate their business... and YOU have the opportunity to hear their big ideas, as well as find out which business will walk away with $5,000 in prize money to fulfill their vision!

Sponsored by West Shore Bank. Supporting partners include 20Fathoms, the Michigan SBDC (Northwest Region), and the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce.

The final pitch event will be live and is free to public, but an RSVP is required.

Please join us in welcoming these investors to the Manistee Area Chamber!

Digital Billboard Opportunity

A new digital billboard is now available in Manistee to promote your ventures!

Each advertiser's message will be shown on the display about 1,248 times every day and faces all incoming traffic on US-31 heading into Downtown Manistee.

To explore rates, please contact Steven Lyons at 231-668-1377 or slyons@lamar.com.

Paint the Town Pink!

Two days. Three BIG events.

Thurs. October 2, 5:30 PM: Beyond the Ribbon

Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee MI

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

Kicking off Paint the Town Pink with an inspiring evening event offering space for women to connect, reflect, and uplift one another in the spirit of breast cancer awareness.

Sat. October 4, 9:00 AM: Run the Town Pink 5K

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

This inspiring event unites our community in strength, support, and awareness—all along a scenic course that winds along the shores of Lake Michigan and through downtown Manistee.

Sat. October 4, 10:00 AM: Remembrance Walk

Corner of River and Division Streets

The Remembrance Walk will begin shortly after 10 am once the Run the Town Pink 5K race participants have completed their route. We walk in solidarity, remembrance, and hope. Wear pink to show your support and help us turn the town pink with love and awareness.

West Shore Bank's Spirit of Giving

Wed. October 15 - Fri. October 17: Downtown Scavenger Hunt

Downtown Manistee

Join West Shore Bank for a fun and meaningful adventure! Each day, a hidden breast cancer awareness pin will be placed at a Manistee downtown business. Your mission? Find the pin, follow the instructions, and claim your prize at West Shore Bank's Manistee South branch (306 Cypress Street)!

 A great way to explore downtown, raise awareness, and support Stomp Out Cancer.

Sat. October 18, 1:00 PM: Barbie on the Big Screen

The Vogue Theatre, Manistee MI

West Shore Bank invites you to a FREE family movie event in support of Stomp Out Cancer, part of our Spirit of Giving fundraiser in Manistee County.

Dress to the theme for extra fun, and enter for a chance to win a door prize giveaway. Attendance is required to win, no purchase necessary, and the winner will be announced on October 18.