|
VOTE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD
Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 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.
| |
| |
Missed the Candidate Forum?
Decisions made by our State Senate and House representatives, City Council, and School Board directly impact the future of our community. Candidate forums give voters an opportunity to hear directly from those seeking office, better understand their priorities, and learn where they stand on issues that affect Manistee County’s growth, development, and quality of life.
Catch up on the forum and hear what the candidates had to say.
| | | |
Michigan Elevator Code Changes Ahead
LARA’s updated elevator compliance requirements take effect January 1, 2028. Businesses and property owners with elevators are encouraged to review the upcoming requirements and consider how the changes may impact their operations and potential costs.
Could these changes impact your business or property? We want to hear from you. Please respond to this email and share your concerns with the Chamber so we can better understand the potential impact on our local business community.
| | |
|
Your Voice Matters!
As the leading voice of Manistee County’s business community, the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to advocating for policies that strengthen our economy, support workforce development, and foster a competitive business environment.
If you or your organization are facing a legislative or regulatory challenge that affects your operations, we want to hear from you. Please use this form to request the Chamber’s support, engagement, or action on local, state, or federal policy matters.
| | |
Economic Development Investor Spotlight:
Filer Credit Union
| | |
"At Filer Credit Union, we believe our role extends beyond providing financial services. We are committed to helping build a community where individuals, businesses, and organizations can succeed. Simply put, when our community prospers, our members prosper, and that aligns perfectly with our mission and cooperative values.
Our investment in Manistee’s economic development is really an investment in the future of our members and our community. As a credit union, our success is directly tied to the strength of the local economy. When businesses grow, jobs are created, families thrive, and communities become more vibrant. By supporting economic development initiatives, we help attract new opportunities, retain talent, encourage entrepreneurship, and strengthen the financial well-being of the people we serve."
- Kyle Gurzynski, Filer Credit Union
| | | | |
Venture North: Express Loan
Looking for flexible funding to support your business growth?
The Express Loan offers $5,000–$25,000 in financing with a quick and streamlined approval process for eligible startups and established businesses.
Funds may be used for:
- Equipment
- Inventory
- Working capital
- Façade improvements
- And more
| | |
Cost: Free
Date: Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. ET
| | |
How Energy Efficiency Can Drive Business Growth
What you will learn:
- Where energy efficiency can have the greatest impact on your business, from reducing operating expenses to improving performance.
- How DTE rebates and no-cost Energy Advisor support can make energy upgrades more affordable and easier to implement.
- Real-world examples of how businesses of all sizes are using energy efficiency improvements to modernize equipment, reduce waste, and enhance operations.
- Practical first steps for identifying opportunities and turning energy savings into measurable business results.
| | |
The 12th cohort kicked off with an Opening Retreat at Portage Lake Covenant Bible Camp, sponsored by West Shore Bank. Participants completed the CliftonStrengths assessment during a Power Hour session sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, guided by facilitator Janie McNabb. They also heard from leadership alumni Trinity Herbert and Sara Schultz, who shared insights from their experiences in the program.
Over the next nine months, participants will develop their leadership skills and work together to design and launch a Community Service Project.
| | Manistee Area Leadership Program is Presented by: Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital, West Shore Community College, and Filer Credit Union. Roger Vasquez Scholarship Sponsored by Republic Services. | | |
Downtown Day
Celebrate Downtown Day by supporting the heart of our community! On September 26, take time to shop, dine, explore, and enjoy all that Downtown Manistee has to offer. Every visit and purchase helps support the local businesses that contribute to the character, economy, and vitality of our downtown.
| | | | | |
Manistee Fall Festival
The annual Fall Festival returns to Downtown Manistee on October 31, bringing local businesses, organizations, and the community together for a day of festive treats, family-friendly activities, and autumn fun. Visitors can stroll along River Street to view and vote on creative scarecrows crafted by local businesses and take part in a scavenger hunt sponsored by the Fall Festival Committee.
| |
Facade Grant Program
Own a property in the Manistee Downtown District? Apply for a Manistee DDA Façade Grant, which helps fund exterior renovations and restorations. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis - any time is a great time to enhance your downtown property!
| |
West Shore Business &
Economic Summit
Explore the issues and opportunities shaping our rural communities at the West Shore Business & Economic Summit. Hear insights on the economy, cybersecurity, and legislative developments while connecting with business and community leaders from across the West Shore.
When: November 12 | 1–5 PM + Cocktail Hour
Where: West Shore Community College, Scottville
Cost: $35 Investors | $50 Future Investors
Presented by West Shore Bank in collaboration with West Shore Community College, Chamber Alliance of Mason County, and Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce.
| | | | |
Chamber Untapped: Holiday Edition
Kick off Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend at Chamber UnTapped – Holiday Edition! Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, live music, a cash bar, and a first look at the Lakeside Club of Manistee County’s Festival of Trees & Holiday Decor.
Presented by West Shore Bank. Sponsored by Little River Casino Resort, Spicer Group, Talon Group Title & Escrow Agency, and Ludington Beverage Company.
When: December 3, 2026 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Where: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts
Cost: $15 for Investors | $25 for Future Investors
| |
Ignite Manistee: Final Live Pitch
Mark your calendar for the Ignite Manistee Final Live Pitch Event and watch local entrepreneurs take the stage to pitch their businesses and ideas for the chance to win $5,000 to help move their ventures forward.
Come support local entrepreneurs, hear their stories, and see the ideas shaping the future of our business community.
Thank you to our presenting sponsor, West Shore Bank, and our venue partner, Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts.
When: December 10, 2026 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Where: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts Ballroom
| | |
The Community Champion
Know someone who makes our community a better place? Nominate them for the Manistee News Advocate’s Community Champion program. Nominations are open year-round. NOMINATE HERE!
| |
Readers Choice
Nominate your favorite local businesses and personalities! The top three in each category will advance to the voting round, running October 3–25.
| |
Taste of the North Shore
Enjoy a culinary experience featuring delicious dishes from local restaurants and vendors, showcasing the flavors of the North Shore. Interested in participating? Contact Danette Doyle at danette.doyle@hearst.com.
• November 4 | 5:30–7:30 PM
• Little River Casino Resort Event Center
| | | | |
