Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance Q1 |
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The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance is a coalition of 16 chambers and economic development organizations from across northern Michigan. Our coalition exists to advocate for rural northern Michigan and move forward with rural-centric business policy.
Focus is given to supporting the success of existing northern Michigan businesses, developing and attracting a talented workforce in northern Michigan, and maximizing the competitiveness of the rural northern Michigan business environment. The Alliance includes nine Partners, one Supporting Partner, six Associate Partners, and over 7,000 member businesses from across northern Michigan.
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Riley Apartments Milestone Gathering |
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Milestone Gathering speakers, from left to right: Matt Swidorski, Swidorski Bros. Excavating LLC; Karen Clouse, Manistee Township Zoning Administrator; Tracy Davis, Housing North Manistee County Ready Coordinator; Jim Tischler, State Land Bank Authority Development Director; Rachel Nelson, Manistee County Land Bank Authority Chair; Stacie Bytwork, Manistee Area Chamber President & CEO; Gary Buren, Manistee County Land Bank Authority; Representative Curt Vanderwall, 102nd District
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Friday, April 26, was a momentous morning for the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, as we hosted the Riley Apartments Milestone Gathering at 610 East Parkdale Avenue. Originally the site of the old Kennedy Elementary school building, the gathering celebrated it as the future location for a 288-unit apartment complex.
The project’s funding is due in part to the Blight Elimination Program from the State Land Bank Authority. "I really appreciate the collaborative effort that we have going in our community, I know not every place is blessed to have that. We really do," said Rachel Nelson, Manistee County Land Bank Authority Chair, "With the additional rounds of three and four funding for Blight Elimination, we're bringing in three million dollars to our community, so it's a real win."
"Where so many of us experienced life as a child, a parent, a teacher, and now we can look forward to lessening that significant housing shortage that so many of our own children, teachers, parents, and many others are now experiencing," said Karen Clouse, Manistee Township Zoning Administrator.
"Businesses representing over 1,200 employees signed on to a letter to support this project because they see the need." said Stacie M. Bytwork, President & CEO of the Manistee Area Chamber, "To attract their talent, they need their housing. If we want this community to grow and we want to see all our kids grow up here or our grandkids come back, we need to have that infrastructure."
"Here is another opportunity to see Manistee really expanding into the future of what we're going to do as a community, as a county, and what we're going to become inside this great state," said Rep. Vanderwall said. "This project, with what it's going to deliver in the lines of housing and opportunity for our businesses to grow... I just want to congratulate every one of you and your involvement."
We are so excited for this milestone and the support this future site will aid to the housing needs of Manistee County!
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Chamber Day at the Capitol |
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Stacie Bytwork and Carmen Kott will represent the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce at the annual Chamber Day at the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing Michigan.
Hosted by Michigan Chamber of Commerce, this event is the Chamber's take on a "lobby day", bringing together business leaders, government affairs professionals, and local and regional chamber of commerce professionals to interact with policymakers about key issues facing Michigan employers and communities.
This is an opportunity for us to showcase our mission, values, and community involvement to state legislators. As Manistee Chamber representatives, Bytwork and Kott will network with other business leaders, participate in informative sessions, and advocate for the interests of their constituents.
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Michigan Chamber of Commerce News & Updates |
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New Overtime Rule from the U.S. Department of Labor
The U.S. Department of Labor released its final overtime rule for salaried employees on April 23, 2024.
This rule will require employers across the nation to either increase an employee's salary to maintain their exempt status or reclassify that employee as being on the clock and non-exempt.
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National Small Business Month
Did you know that small businesses represent nearly half of all jobs in Michigan?
This month, we recognize the role and contributions small businesses make in our state. Be sure to shop and eat out locally and spread the word about your favorite small business.
Small business owners are encouraged to check out these free toolkits from the U.S. Chamber and the Michigan Economic Development Corp.
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Trash Tax Funding Rejected
In recent news from the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, both State House and Senate subcommittees opted to not fund the governor’s proposal to massively increase the state’s tipping fee, also known as the “trash tax” in their respective versions of the next state budget.
The proposed fee, from $0.36 per ton of solid waste to $5 per ton, would severely impact manufacturing and industrial companies, along with hospitals and educational institutions, that deal with large quantities of low hazard waste.
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Michigan House Hears Testimony on Short-Term Rental Legislation
The Michigan House Committee on Local Government has heard testimony on a package of bills that would significantly hinder the operation of short-term rental (STR) properties in Michigan and would do the following:
- Subject STR properties to higher tax rates than hotels.
- Create a registration requirement and database for all STRs.
- Require hosting platforms to collect department certifications on each property listed.
- Create additional safety requirements for STRs and establishes hefty fines for violation.
- Allow local municipalities to determine the number of STRs in a community and revoke STR permits.
It is unclear how much interest there is in moving this legislation forward at this time, but the Michigan Chamber will be monitoring closely.
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Attorney Dana Nessel to Visit Manistee County |
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Business Scams Presentation
with Attorney General of Michigan, Dana Nessel
July 3, 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Downtown Education Center
400 River Street, Manistee MI
Don't miss out on this presentation with 54th Attorney General of Michigan, Dana Nessel, hosted by the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce. The Attorney General will discuss critical issues related to small business scams, including identity theft, tax fraud, cybersquatting, and organized retail crime.
This is a free event and is open to the public. Be there to learn more about how you can protect your business.
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