Chamber Quarterly Newsletter • October/November/December 2024 | |
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After 20 years as the Executive
Director of the White Lake Area Chamber and Visitors Bureau, Amy VanLoon has announced her
retirement effective December 31, 2024. Amy has made a lasting
impact on this community and
organization, and she will be missed. Stay tuned for retirement party information (hint: save the date for December 1).
The Board of Directors is
responsible for the position of
Executive Director. After a thorough hiring process, they have announced Stephanie Ware as the incoming Executive Director, effecting January 1, 2025. Stephanie has been on staff at the White Lake Area Chamber & Visitors Bureau for nearly three years,
overseeing events, membership, and social media. She is looking forward to
stepping into this new leadership role.
Click here to read Amy's retirement announcement, and click here to read
Stephanie's staff announcement.
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Fall in the White Lake Area | |
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After such a great summer in West Michigan, sometimes it feels like it can't get any better. But then fall arrives, and fall in the White Lake Area is special. Between the colors of a fall sky and the leaves changing, our area comes alive in a way that's different than in the summer. A slower pace with still all the energy. A time where one can be as busy, adventurous, or as relaxed as they want to be.
Our bike trails fill up with people eager to walk, run, or bike in an undisturbed and picturesque setting. White River, White Lake, Duck Lake, and Lake Michigan remain the perfect setting for canoe and kayak enthusiasts, not to mention great locations to see the changing of colors. Thinking of giving bicycling or kayaking a try this year? WaterDog Outfitters is right between the White Lake Pathway and Hart-Montague Trail, where you can try, purchase, or rent a bicycle, e-bike, or kayak.
Much of our outdoor recreation remains open during the fall months, it just may look a little different. Places such as Clear Springs Nature Preserve in Montague, and Duck Lake State Park or Duck Creek Trails in Whitehall have the same great trails, but a whole new look--click here for other great spots to walk or hike. Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park also has great trails to walk (Hike the Lights), along with other activities, before they transition into all of their winter adventures. And some of our "outdoor recreation" changes into "indoor recreation", such as Double JJ Resort. Fall also means new activities at Country Dairy, Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo, Michigan's Adventure, Weesies Bros, and surprise post season pop-up days at Putters Creek.
All of our unique shops change as well--short sleeves transition into long, and summer décor becomes last season as pumpkins, mums, corn stalks, and cornucopia's become fitting with the season. The Artisan Market and Montague Farmers Market help keep the fall festivities going on the weekends. And if you're craving pumpkin or apple spiced anything, or comfort foods like soups, our restaurants can definitely help with that. If you're looking for a spiked version of those drinks, our pubs and breweries are happy to help, too.
We're excited to transition into another fall in the White Lake Area. See below for a wrap up of summer 2024, and what's happening during our fall and early winter months.
*Picture by Connor Rake at Connor Rake Productions.
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Looking Back:
Quarter Three Highlights
July-September 2024
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On Thursday, July 4, we celebrated the 4th of July with over 90 festive entries in our parade! It was a beautiful summer day, our downtown streets were filled with people, and our parade entries brought their best patriotic flair. We always love seeing the honorable American Legion & VFW lead the parade, followed by so many of our local businesses and organizations showing support of the holiday.
We want to thank our parade sponsor, RE/MAX West, and our livestream sponsor, Manpower. Thank you to CatchMark Technologies for livestreaming the parade, and to Matt & Stacy Shepherd for hosting it.
Click here to view our full Facebook album, and click here for the livestream.
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On Sunday, July 28, we held our third annual White Lake History Cruises aboard the Aquastar! Three cruises set sail on White Lake and attendees learned about the history of logging, resorts, and more about our lake over the years. We could not have asked for a more picture perfect White Lake Area day.
We want to thank our committee members, historians, Billy Mann for emceeing all three cruises, and our sponsors: Gold--CatchMark Technologies, Hilite International, Manpower, Shelby State Bank. Silver--Legacy of Caring and White Lake Association. Bronze--City of Whitehall, McCormick Food & Gas, WinBerg Construction, and White Lake Area Historical Society.
Click here to view our full Facebook album.
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Monday, September 2, brought us a beautiful day to hold our annual Labor Day Community Walk! Dozens of other cities across the state held their own Labor Day Community Walk, giving Michiganders a chance to get outdoors, enjoy the beautiful trails, and serve as a great reminder that getting outside and being active helps us be healthier overall. Thank you to Mayor Tom Lohman (City of Montague) and Mayor Steve Salter (City of Whitehall) for leading the way as everyone walked the bridge from Montague into Whitehall.
Thank you to New Beginnings Church for being our gold sponsor, Scheid Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for being our silver sponsor, and Wilde Jessie Consulting for being our bronze sponsor.
Click here to view our full Facebook album.
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Welcome Our Newest Members:
July-September, 2024
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We'd like to give a special thank you and welcome to these new members who joined the White Lake Area Chamber & Visitors Bureau during quarter three! The mission of our Chamber is to serve and advance the business interests of members and to strengthen the economic climate of our area. We are always thankful and appreciative when businesses trust us and allow us to partner together to fulfill that mission! | |
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Looking Ahead:
Upcoming Chamber Events
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Depot to Depot
Date: Month of October
Time: Varies by locations
Muskegon County
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Pumpkinfest
Date: Saturday, October 12
Time: 10am-3pm
Downtown Montague
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Caboosentennial
Date: Month of October
Time: M-F, 9am-3pm
124 W Hanson in Whitehall
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Chamber Annual Member Dinner
Date: Monday, October 21
Time: 5:30pm
Double JJ / Sundance Saloon
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Holiday Walk
Date: Friday, Nov. 22 & Saturday, Nov. 23
Time: 2:00-8:00pm, 10am-4pm
Various Locations
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Christmas Parade
Date: Saturday, December 7
Time: 2:00pm
Downtown Montague & Whitehall
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Holiday Cookie Crawl
Date: Saturday, December 14
Time: 10am-4pm
Various Locations
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