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The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce is happy to announce that we are back to being fully staffed! After taking time off for maternity leave, our Operations Manager, Carmen Kott, has returned in full force. She’s proficient in finances, membership details, and is key to keeping the Chamber running smoothly. We’re all excited to have her back in the office.
In addition to staff updates, we are initiating a new social media series titled “Business Boost.” Be sure to read more below and provide feedback on this new series. Some community input is also being requested regarding changes in our community and legislature. Looking forward to positive changes in Manistee County!
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WELCOME NEW CHAMBER INVESTORS |
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We encourage you to read and get to know a bit about your fellow Chamber Investors! |
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Nuvu Fuels Michigan, LLC - NUVU FUELS Manistee could be the coolest convenience store you've ever visited. Freshly crafted pizzas, and an incredible beer and wine selection inside and out of our Beer Barn. We also built the idea on encouraging the sale of Michigan-made biofuels (including E85, E30 & E15) as well as premium and also diesel. Check us out!
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What You Missed: Ribbon-Cutting Ceremonies |
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Northwest Michigan Health
Services, LLC
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Congratulations on opening a new Manistee location!! And thank you to everyone who attended their ribbon-cutting ceremony.
For more information on what services are offered at the new clinic, please visit their website.
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Congratulations John and Suzanne Long!
Salt City CPA offers accounting, tax, and payroll services in the Manistee area. Their business combines decades of accounting experience along with an innate talent for helping and connecting with others.
Visit their website f or more information.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
Forward Momentum!
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Gateway Spirit of the Woods Project |
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Demolition completed on schedule.
Since the approval in May 2022, demolition has continued steadily through the following months. In July, construction crews finished leveling the last of the five buildings.
The Chamber partnered with Manistee County Visitor's Bureau and others to fund and design construction screens with promotional messages. There are expected to be over 10,000 impressions.
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Northwest Collaborative Development Council (CDC) |
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The Chamber hosted our regional economic development partners, Networks Northwest, and Michigan Economic Development Corporation here in Manistee.
Thank you to Jim Reithel for providing a tour of Martin Marietta Magnesia Specialties. Our partners were quite impressed. The tour underscored the importance of the manufacturer for local head-of-household jobs, a regional connection to supply the Ludington plant, the need for reliable transportation for international trade and exports, and the steady supply of resources for decades of operation.
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The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) has released a draft of The Missing Middle Housing Program (The Plan) for public review and comments. The Plan is designed to address the lack of attainable housing for the middle class and overcome the challenges developments face in making a return on their investments with costs and sale points.
Two rounds of state grants for non-profit developers will provide 10 years of housing targeted to household incomes between 185% and 300% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). The funding source is $50 million State appropriated American Rescue Plan (ARP) Funds from the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
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MSHDA is seeking public comment on The Plan.
Questions or comments on the Draft Missing Middle Housing Plan will be accepted through August 10, 2022, and should be submitted to MSHDA-MissingMiddle@michigan.gov.
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Ramsdell Theater Master Plan |
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The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts (RRCA) is making changes to the existing historic Ramsdell Theatre Master Plan. |
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Shape the future of the Ramsdell Theatre by attending either of the meetings:
- Tuesday, August 9th from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
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Wednesday, August 10th from 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
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Please RSVP to Xavier Verna, Executive Director of the RRCA at xverna@ramsdelltheatre.org or call 231-398-9770. Seating is limited.
Some areas of focus:
- What are the preservation efforts and why are they needed?
- What efforts are being put in place to preserve history, not replace it?
- What is the RRCA hoping to address operationally?
- What changes can benefit people who rent the building, the RRCA staff, concert, and art gallery patrons?
- What opportunities are there that maximize unused space?
- Will it generate more revenue to support a sustainable operation of the historic site?
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LEADERSHIP & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT |
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Apply for the 2022/2023 Leadership Program |
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Experience the Manistee Area Leadership Program, thoroughly immersing yourself in Manistee County, and become the key to making a difference in the community and workplace.
The Leadership Program is presented by the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce and this year’s many generous sponsors, including Filer Credit Union, Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital, and West Shore Community College.
Space is limited! The deadline to apply is August 19, 2022.
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“It was a very eye-opening experience that made me aware of the challenges our community faces. This program helps to make Manistee County a better place for all by teaching people how to give back to the community in a meaningful way.”
- Amber Cooper, Bookkeeper at West Shore Community College
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Cohort meetings take place once a month from September through May, and finally, put your skills to the test during the Big Day of Serving community service project. The comradery will build positive lessons and relationships while benefiting the community today and in the future. You make the Big Day of Serving possible. |
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Series One: Technology and Online Presence |
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The Chamber is presenting a new social media series dedicated to building better businesses and a stronger community through awareness and understanding of the laws, ordinances, marketing strategies, and often-overlooked details that affect our organizations. Business Boost will focus on topics that encourage businesses to work together, enhance their marketing and online presence, and improve communication.
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We are looking for feedback on topics, ideas, and more business aspects that you want to learn about. |
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Watch our Facebook page for these topics coming soon in Business Boost, Series One: hashtags, online business laws, maintaining a website, branding/online impression management, and Tik Tok for small businesses.
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Join the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce at Manistee National Golf & Resort for an evening of great food, drinks, and good company!
Reconnect with friends and colleagues at Chamber UnTapped sponsored by Ludington Beverage, Dynamic Physical Therapy, Manistee National, NOMI Racing LLC, and Filer Credit Union.
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