News & Updates
November 2022 | Issue 2
Director's Message
This summer has been a dynamic time, and as we approach the Holiday Season, we want to provide you with some information about progress at the DDA. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or ideas!  
Community Events
Chamber UnTapped - Holiday Edition December 1st from 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Join Chamber staff, Ambassadors, and members of the community at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts Ballroom for a cheerful evening of hors d’oeuvres, holiday music, a 50/50 raffle, a cash bar, and kick off the Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend!

Additionally, you'll get the first look at the Lakeside Club's Festival of Trees & Holiday Decor, designed by local enthusiasts! Holiday attire is encouraged. 

Get your tickets in advance at ManisteeChamber.com!

This year's event is presented by Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center and Haglund's Floor Covering, Inc. Venue is sponsored by Consumers Energy and the Accident Fund, music is sponsored by West Shore Bank.
Manistee County Community Christmas
November 25th - January 1st
It's time to light up Manistee County during the third year of Manistee County Community Christmas presented by 4Front Credit Union from Nov. 25th - Jan. 1st. The Community Christmas theme is designed to bring our whole county together during the holiday season.


This year’s festivities are presented by 4Front Credit Union and sponsored by Boyer Agency, Cape Air, Jermaine Sullivan Dwelling Realty, Peterson McGregor Insurance, and the Vogue Theatre. 
Presented by 4Front Credit Union.
Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend
December 1st - 4th
Manistee’s Old Christmas Weekend, presented by West Shore Bank, is filled with charming events, including the Festival of Trees, craft bazaar, 5K race, and the Victorian Sleighbell Parade. The highlights of the parade are draft horses pulling a 30-foot Christmas tree down River Street followed by a beautiful display of luminaries, caroling, and the lighting of the tree.

More info is available at ManisteeSleighbellParade.com!
Presented by West Shore Bank.
*NEW* Sleighbell Warming Station
December 3rd from 3:00 - 6:00 PM
At 400 River Street, enjoy a warm drink and tasty treat on behalf of West Shore Community College, Consumers Energy, and the Manistee County Community Foundation!

Volunteers are needed - to set up, tear down, serve food/drinks, and answer questions. Please click here if you're interested in volunteering all or part of the time!
Presented by West Shore Community College, Consumers Energy, and the Manistee County Community Foundation.
Ladies Night in Downtown Manistee
December 7th from 4:00 - 8:00 PM
Grab the Gals for an evening of downtown shopping, laughs, and holiday fun!

Visit Downtown Manistee where merchants will have their stores decked out for the season and also feature specials, drawings, and spirits.
Men's Night in Downtown Manistee
December 14th from 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Join your fellow husbands, fathers, brothers, sons, and gentlemen for an evening of downtown shopping, entertainment, and cheer!

Head to Downtown Manistee where merchants will have their stores decked out for the season and will feature specials, drawings, and spirits
Downtown Business Connection Meetings
We invite and welcome everyone to participate in the monthly Downtown Business meetings which are held via zoom on the third Tuesday of the month at 8:30 am.

They are a casual conversation with your fellow merchants where you can receive updates, discuss new ideas/challenges, or ask questions.
Below is the recurring Zoom information:


Meeting ID: 890 1867 5884
Passcode: 829506
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,89018675884#,,,,*829506# US (New York)
+13017158592,,89018675884#,,,,*829506# US (Washington DC)
Grant Recipients
The Manistee DDA board recently made decisions on the 2022-2023 Facade Grant recipients. Bluefish Kitchen + Bar (pictured below) and Snyder’s Shoes will receive grants to work on structural issues with these two buildings.  
All the applications received for this year’s grant were worthy, and the amount requested was nearly double the budget line for the grant! The DDA had more applicants this year than in past years and has since budgeted more for grants. This was both a sign of the need, as well as the commitment from building and business owners in our downtown.  

The DDA appreciates all the applicants’ efforts to improve our beautiful historic downtown.
"The Stee" Social District
OPEN EVERY DAY from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
This is a designated area, opened last year by the DDA and Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, where patrons ages 21 + can purchase an alcoholic beverage from participating establishments in a logo cup and can carry/consume it outdoors within the parameters of the district.

With the Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend festivities in town, there will be many visitors taking advantage of the social district, instead of waiting to dine in. This a wonderful opportunity for the Downtown merchants to welcome visitors to sip & shop!
GET YOUR WINDOW CLINGS With the holidays fast approaching, it is important to communicate whether your business allows shopping with alcoholic beverages. There are two options:

  • Enjoy Your Beverage As You Shop
  • Please Finish your Beverage Before You Shop

Contact [email protected] to request a window cling.
Participating Establishments:

  • #1 Bluefish Kitchen + Bar
  • #2 Taco 'Bout It Mexican Fusion
  • #3 TJ's Pub
  • #4 North Channel Brewing Co.
PLEASE NOTE: All State of Michigan and City of Manistee laws apply, including but not limited to those prohibiting public intoxication, impaired driving, open containers, and serving alcohol to minors.


SHOP LOCAL
This year, we’re celebrating Small Business Season™! Small Business Season is a global marketing initiative designed to bring awareness to how shopping locally has a large positive impact on our community. Small businesses are your neighbors and friends. They provide over 60% of all new jobs and they are the first people we call upon to support local initiatives, nonprofits, and youth activities.
Ways you can help small businesses this holiday season:
  • Buy, dine, and visit small
  • Write reviews
  • Tell friends about your favorite places
  • Buy local gift certificates! manistee county ca$h is a county-wide certificate program available for purchase online 24/7 and accepted at 30+ locations. Interested in participating? Contact [email protected].
  • Share posts about shopping locally and your favorite businesses on social media
  • Check in on social media when shopping, dining, and visiting local
Let’s help our neighbors and start celebrating your Small Business Season commitment today!
City Ordinance Reminders
DUMPSTER AND ENCLOSURES
Dumpster regulations will be enforced starting on July 1, 2022.

Please take a moment to review Section 506 of the City of Manistee Zoning Ordinance, Article Five General Provision at this LINK. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call the Manistee County Planning Department at (231) 723-6041.
SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL FROM SIDEWALKS
The owner or occupant of any occupied or unoccupied business, building, or vacant lot within the Central Business District, as defined in this section, shall keep sidewalks adjacent to his or her property clear of snow and ice and not allow the same to accumulate for more than twenty-four hours.