IN THIS ISSUE

• The State of Michigan Business
• West Shore Business & Economic Summit
• Kicking Off the 10th Cohort of the Manistee Area Leadership Program
• Chamber UnTapped: Holiday Edition, and the Business Awards Gala
• ...and more!

Time: Thursday, November 7, 9:30 AM, virtual event

About the event: Join the Michigan Chamber of Commerce as they examine how the 2024 election results — coupled with key factors like sentiment, inflation, workforce, and more — are shaping the 2025 business outlook.

• This event is $10 for members of the Michigan Chamber, $25 for future members. Use code EARLYBIRD for 50% savings now through September 27.

What to expect: This virtual event will provide a timely, hot take as subject matter experts help break down voting results just two days after a consequential 2024 Presidential election and numerous legislative races across Michigan.

2024 Candidate Forum

It was a great turnout at the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum! We had relevant and valuable discussions about housing, business growth, economic development, childcare, and incentives for development. What a informative opportunity for our business community!



Special thanks to all the candidates/incumbents in attendance, our moderator Haley Bennett, Director of Government Relations of Traverse Connect and Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance, refreshment sponsor - NuVu Fuels, and West Shore Community College for providing the space to host the forum.

Click the links below to view recordings of each of the forum.

VOTE NOVEMBER 5TH

Polls are open from 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM for you to cast your vote.

Find your local city/township clerk HERE.

View the Official Candidate and Proposal list for Manistee County HERE.

Your vote counts!

TriShare

Are you looking for a way to increase access to quality childcare among your employees? Interested in creating an appealing benefit for attracting and retaining employees?

You may be interested in the Michigan Tri-Share Program!

Through MI Tri-Share, the cost of an employee's child care is shared equally among the employer, the employee and the State of Michigan — a three-way split — with coordination being provided regionally by a MI Tri-Share facilitator hub. With MI Tri-Share, parents can get back to work knowing that their kids are safe, cared for and have the opportunity to succeed.

Click the images below for free, digital flyers with additional childcare resources via Tri-Share and DuoShare!

Manistee Area Chamber Represents at the

Michigan Works! Annual Conference

Eric Gustad, Chamber Board Member, and Stacie Bytwork, Chamber President & CEO, alongside several of our workforce development partners in the office, attended the Michigan Works! Association Annual Conference this month.

"I am incredibly honored to be a part of this organization and the Networks Northwest board," said Stacie Bytwork, President & CEO of the Manistee Area Chamber. "These two outstanding organizations are making a significant impact, alongside many others, in shaping the future of the workforce in our state."

What a great opportunity to come together and get excited about building our economy's workforce!

West Shore Business & Economic Summit

The time is NOW to register for the West Shore Business & Economic Summit!

Brought to you by West Shore Bank in collaboration with West Shore Community College, the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Chamber Alliance of Mason County.

WHEN: Wednesday, October 9, 2024

WHERE: WSCC Center Stage Theater

COST: $35 for Chamber Investors

TIME

Summit: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Chamber UnTapped meets Business After Hours: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Your registration includes a FREE entry to Chamber UnTapped/Business After Hours!

Join us for the big conversations with topics including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, strategies for business growth, and more!

Please Welcome the 10th Cohort of the Manistee Area Leadership Program!

On September 13th, we kicked off the program with an inspiring and energizing opening retreat at Portage Lake Covenant Bible Camp.

The True Colors Personality test was facilitated by Dr. Tammy Stachowicz, who helped the team discover their true colors and strengths. This test will assist the class in understanding how to collaborate effectively throughout the program. Special thanks to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for sponsoring the Power Hour!

Stay tuned to follow the 10th Cohort over the next 9 months. Follow along with this program as there will be more updates on their final "Community Service Project". The Manistee Area Leadership Program is presented by Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital, West Shore Community College, and Filer Credit Union.

Thank you to our Roger Vasquez Sponsor, Republic Services, our Power Hour Sponsor, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, and our T-Shirt sponsor, River Financial Planners.

2024/2025 Cohort Roster

Adam Freigang, Martin Marietta

Amy McKinley, Crystal Mountain

David Jarvi, Manistee County Planning Department

Denver Leigh Phillips, Manistee Intermediate School District

Jeremy Swartz, Shelby State Bank

Katie Biehl, West Shore Community College

Kathleen Raspotnik, 4Front Credit Union

Kristi Adamczak, Filer Credit Union

Logan Tomaszewski, Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts

Mackenzie Leedham, Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital

McKenzie Bradford, Manistee County Courthouse

Michael Keiser, Red Pine Building and Design LLC

Raven Winter, Watson Motors

Sarah Hornkohl, Coastal Woods Vision

Theresa Waldo, City of Manistee

Trinity Herbert, West Shore Bank

Zoe Braun, Packaging Corporation of America

Reminder:

Facade Grant Applications

Deadline: October 15, 2024

The Facade Grant program, offered through the Manistee DDA, offers financial assistance to commercial property owners seeking to renovate or restore the exterior of their buildings.

The cost of improvements to the exterior of a downtown building can be matched for up to 50%.

Go to ManisteeDowntown.com/Loans to apply. Please review the form carefully to ensure you are eligible to apply.

Please welcome our latest Chamber Investor!

Travelers Motel: Travelers Motel is the latest quiet and relaxing getaway in one of Northern Michigan's best-kept secrets. Nestled in the forested Onekama and within view of Portage Lake and Lake Michigan, the Travelers Motel offers clean, comfortable rooms with a stylish mid-century modern vibe. Enjoy an inviting space rooted in functionality, clean lines, and simplicity. This design, known for its organic shapes and a blend of natural and modern materials, creates a welcoming and uncluttered retreat. Located on the southern end of the iconic M22, it’s the perfect destination for an afternoon ride to enjoy the vibrant fall colors while stepping back into a timeless atmosphere.

Thank you for coming out to Chamber UnTapped!

Thank you to Manistee Elks Lodge No. 250, Filer Credit Union, Snyder's Shoes, and Z's Rental Carts for a great night at Chamber UnTapped!

SAVE THE DATE

Congratulations to Munson Healthcare Manistee Sleep Disorders Center!



They recently received milestone accreditation for the next ten years.

An Exploration of Whole Health for Employers

Wednesday, October 9th, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Hosted by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, free, live webinar will discuss the importance of the whole health care journey for your employees. It will focus on how the benefits and condition management programs included in your medical plan impact overall health and outcomes.

Resources to help employers make open enrollment an easy experience for employees will also be shared.

MiThrive Engagement Opportunities

MiThrive, of the Northern Michigan Public Health Alliance, has two notable opportunities for community members across Northern Lower Michigan.

1. DO YOU LIVE, LEARN, WORK, OR PLAY IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN?

If so, you are invited to participate in the MiThrive Photovoice Project. MiThrive wants to hear from you on what makes Manistee a great place to live— or where it could improve— through the lens of your camera.

2. MiThrive IS LOOKING FOR YOUR FEEDBACK

Share your voice in the 2024 Northern Michigan Community Health Survey, conducted by MiThrive! This survey is a chance for you to tell us what is most important to you. We are working to improve the health of communities in Northern Michigan by collecting data, identifying key issues, and bringing people together for change.

Saturday, October 19, 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Manistee National Golf & Resort: HayDay & 3.5k, 7k Run

Saturday, October 26, 12:00 - 4:00 PM

Downtown Manistee Fall Festival

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