45th Annual Governor's Breakfast: April 21

Our Chamber President & CEO, Stacie Bytwork, recently had the honor of representing Manistee County at the 45th Annual Governor's Breakfast! 

After months of advocacy by the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce and developers, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation [MEDC] announced the Michigan Strategic Fund approval of $2 million in support for the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Manistee Waterfront. Advocacy matters!

"By creating a vibrant downtown experience and bringing a much-needed hotel, offering new access to Lake Michigan, the project will help generate new visitor spending in the community. It is also expected to result in new commercial and retail operations in the area," as stated in the MEDC press release.

The endless conversations, details, relationship building, and obstacle courses the staff navigate to achieve these results often go unrecognized and under-appreciated. At the Chamber, we are dedicated to supporting investment in economic development and legislative advocacy, respecting the value it provides to our community.

“We are excited and grateful for the MEDC Michigan Community Revitalization Program’s investment in this transformational Manistee project,” said Stacie Bytwork, President and CEO of the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, Manistee County's economic development organization. “The beachfront hotel is acting as a catalyst for development, generating more interest and investment than ever before, and drawing attention to our community on the shores of Lake Michigan.”

“The 6PM Hospitality team is truly honored to bring this exciting project to beautiful Manistee,” said 6PM Hospitality Partners CEO, Peter D. Beukema. “We are proud to partner with the city of Manistee and the MSF in bringing this vision to life. We believe our project will help showcase all that the city of Manistee has to offer alongside beautiful Lake Michigan.”

“This project was the city of Manistee’s first approved Commercial Rehabilitation Act incentive,” said Manistee Mayor Jermaine Sullivan. “Hotels Venture Manistee is a committed partner, and I am very proud of this development. I look forward to this new lakefront hotel drawing people to beautiful Manistee and discovering all that we have to offer, including our historic downtown and sandy beaches.”

Thank you for your support. We are making positive, incremental change happen in the area! For more information or to support our economic development efforts, please contact the Chamber of Commerce at (231) 723-2575 or via email.

We encourage you to read and get to know a bit about your fellow Chamber Investors!

Three Peas in a Pod - Three Peas in a Pod is a charming retail store in Manistee, Michigan, run by three sisters. The store specializes in selling unique, handcrafted, and locally made items such as jewelry, clothing, home decor, and gifts, including beautifully refurnished furniture. They source all their items from local artists and artisans, so visitors can find unique items not typically found in larger stores. With friendly and knowledgeable staff, the store offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a must-visit for anyone looking for one-of-a-kind items in Manistee.

The Manistee Area Leadership Program class invites you to join them in celebrating the grand opening of the Life Vest Loaner Stations! Save the date for Friday, June 23rd at 3:30 pm for the unveiling of this new community feature. More details to come. 

Healthcare Day: April 21

Healthcare Day was led by Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital on Friday, April 21st. The 2022/2023 Leadership Class had the opportunity to spend the day touring and exploring the healthcare options in Manistee County.

We were able to learn about the new and improved Emergency Room Department, Radiology, Cancer & Infusion Center, Med/Surg & Telemedicine, Community Health Building, Manistee County Medical Care Facility, Emergency Department, Munson Healthcare Manistee Health & Fitness, and the list goes on. There is so much to offer at our local hospital!

Thank you to our power hour sponsor Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, who allowed us to bring in Jennifer Lundberg-Anders, Professor of Communication and Chair of Communications Division at West Shore Community College to present some tips on public speaking and Monroe’s Motivated Sequence. Thank you so much for your time, Jennifer!

Special thanks to our presenting sponsors Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital, Filer Credit Union, and West Shore Community College.

Chamber Untapped: May 18

Join us at Portage Point Resort for an evening of great food, drinks, and good company featuring live music by Rhett & John (pictured below).  

Reconnect with friends and colleagues at Chamber UnTapped, sponsored by the Manistee offices of Edward Jones. Due to capacity, the event is limited...Get your tickets today!

Kick-off SUMMER at the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce 2023 Chamber Golf Outing - presented by Smith & Eddy Insurance. We've got our hearts set on Hawaii this year, and can't wait to see your foursome on the green in your luau best (within appropriate reason, of course). Register your foursome today!

If you have any events planned for June 29th - July 4th, please submit the details online at ManisteeForestFestival.com to be added to the Forest Festival Event Schedule and print brochure. Let's make this year's festival even better than the last!

Are you interested in registering your float or vehicle for the Independence Day Parade? The parade will be held on Tuesday, July 4th at 10:00 a.m. located on River Street. Rates will increase starting 10:00 a.m. on May 1st, be sure to register your float in advance for the discounted price.

The Ramsdell Theatre is celebrating 120 years and invites you to an evening of entertainment, music, dancing, auctions, food, and drink! This year’s gala is scheduled for May 13, 2023. Activities will commence at 5:30 p.m.

Registration includes admission to the gala, heavy hors d’oeuvres, sweet and savory bites including a carving station, and an array of decadent desserts. This year, all drinks are covered in the price of the ticket.

Entertainment will be provided throughout the evening, featuring pianist Carrie Selbee, jazz music by Third Coast Swing, and a special performance from Boston Ballet Principal Dancer, Paul Craig. You won’t want to miss this unforgettable evening!

The Dempsey Manor is hosting an "Old Fashioned Springtime Tea Party" at the Wagoner Community Center on Thursday, May 25th at 1:30 p.m.

Get your group of ladies to take part in a delightful evening with tea, dress-up, flowers, fancy teacups, and dainty treats. The cost is $10 per person and $25 for family groups (up to three).

Click to enlarge the image, or visit The Dempsey Manor on Facebook.

Hearst Midwest Media Group - Michigan (Manistee News Advocate) has put together a social media marketing package for YOUR business.

Want to reach an additional 88,000 people on Facebook on a budget? Get both an organic post and a paid post for $300 or pick one for $150.

Click the image to enlarge or reach out to Julie Lewis at (231) 592-8373 or Julie.Lewis@hearst.com to get started!

To have your business update featured in the Chamber of Commerce Newsletter, please email cassidy@manisteechamber.com with the subject line "Member/Investor Updates."

Do you possess a welcoming personality? How about an interest in serving and becoming part of something bigger than your business alone? If you have the time to commit, the Manistee Area Ambassador Program is the perfect opportunity to get involved. 

The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Program is dedicated to providing support for all Chamber projects/programs while representing the Chamber within the community. They are dedicated to greeting new members, promoting the Chamber’s four priority areas, and bridging the gap between the general membership and the Board of Directors. If you're interested or want to know more, click the button above!

These businesses go above and beyond to invest in the Chamber programs & events,

ultimately benefiting our community. Thank you!