It’s hard to believe we are nearing the ending of another year and looking ahead to 2024. The years seem to be flying by a bit too fast these days, but we are grateful for the commitment of our board of directors, staff, and all of our partners, volunteers, and sponsors. A lot has been accomplished in 2023, and we are thankful for all the hard work and support as the Chamber world is a diverse and extremely busy industry.
On behalf of the team at the Chamber, enjoy your time with your family and friends, as we wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and the best New Year’s ever! Cheers to 2024!
Please note our office will be closed on the following days for staff to celebrate with their families and enjoy some time away:
- Friday, December 22
- Monday, December 25
- Friday, December 29
- Monday, January 1
We will resume normal office hours on Tuesday, January 2.
Take care and see you all next year.
Sincerely,
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Stacie Bytwork, President & CEO | |
MANISTEE AREA CHAMBER PRESIDENT SELECTED FOR NATIONAL PROGRAM | |
Big News!
Manistee Area Chamber President & CEO Stacie Bytwork has been selected to join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's ninth cohort of the Business Leads Fellowship Program.
She and 34 other state and local chamber executives, economic development professionals, and association leaders from across the country were selected to participate in this business leadership program.
Congratulations to Stacie for this incredible opportunity!
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Please welcome our new Chamber investors! | |
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Comfort Keepers - Comfort Keepers provides in-home care for seniors. Their services allow seniors to stay independent. Comfort Keepers provides in-home care and assisted living for seniors which allows them their independence. What sets Comfort Keepers apart from other care providers is their scope of local care service options, including Alzheimer's care and respite care options, in-home assisted living, advanced technology, and a team care approach. | |
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Lake FX Media - Lake FX Media is a media production company that delivers national-level content for brands, nonprofits, and agencies with budgets both small and large. Lake FX Media is a media production company that delivers national-level content for brands, nonprofits, and agencies with budgets both small and large. They provide services for every step of content creation, including ideation, video production, post production, photography, and VR 360... all while having a good time in the process. | |
Whether you are a new member of the Manistee Area Chamber or are renewing your investment, joining your local chamber supports your community and economy.
Your investment allows us to serve the Business, Workforce, and Economic Development needs of Manistee County.
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The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance invites you to the 2024 Northern Michigan Policy Conference on January 19, 2024, at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa.
Now in its sixth year, the policy conference is designed to leverage diverse strategies to enhance the northern Michigan region's standing as a world-class place for businesses, residents, visitors, and students of all ages. This year's high-caliber lineup of speakers will address chronic issues surrounding business development, talent, housing, and childcare and discuss innovative approaches. Thank you to the Emerald Sponsor of the conference, Consumers Energy, for helping us host!
Since our Chamber is a partner of the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance, please use this PROMO CODE NMPC24 to reserve your spot today! Click HERE and if you are not a member of the Traverse Connect, click the section on the right-hand side to register.
We also want to say farewell to Henry Wolf, our Government Relations Director for the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance as he moves on to the Office of Rural Prosperity (formerly Office of Rural Development). We wish him all the best, goodbyes are hard, but we look forward to working with him in his new role! With that said, his position has been posted, click HERE.
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Investments traditionally have a positive impact on the local economy, create job opportunities, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents. This year we saw $28 million in projects/investments completed.
A prime example is the Hampton Inn & Suites Manistee Waterfront which celebrated a grand opening in July 2023. It's a testament to the growth and development happening in our community.
Looking to 2024, there are several projects, new and expanding, totaling $55.5 million in the pipeline that will lead to beautification, enhancement of current business, and jobs for our community.
One of these projects will be a 288-unit housing project, alleviating some of the need for housing in our area. We are excited to watch this development unfold!
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LEADERSHIP & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT | |
This month the Leadership class had the opportunity to engage with local healthcare professionals, visit healthcare facilities, and learn about the various aspects of healthcare in the Manistee area.
They received a warm welcome from Kelly Tomaszewski, President of Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital. The class heard from our local District Health Department #10, Gracie Kierczynski, Public Health Educator about the programs and services they offer in our 10 counties. We toured Maple Ridge Manor, a Retirement & Assisted Living Facility and the quality of care and amenities they provide for residents as well as the Manistee County Medical Care Facility where they developed a better understanding of what the future looks like for them.
Thank you to Jennifer Lutz our Power Hour Speaker from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for providing a healthcare policy update to build awareness and understanding of potential changes and issues related to the future regulatory environment for healthcare.
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Chamber UnTapped 2024: NEXT MONTH! | |
Mark your calendars: the first Chamber UnTapped of 2024 is already upon us!
Come start the new year with a bang: mingle with business professionals, enjoy food and drinks, and enjoy an evening of conversation and live music by Tim Krause.
WHEN: Thursday, January 25th, 5:00-7:00pm
WHERE: North Channel Brewing Company
$10 for Chamber Members
$20 for Non-Members
Sponsored by: NOMI Racing, Johnson Sign Company, Dunegrass Co., and North Channel Brewing Co.
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SAVE THE DATE:
Business Awards Gala 2024
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MANISTEE COUNTY COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS: HAVE YOU VOTED? | |
Important Employer Information
MiCareerQuest 2024 ZOOM Information Session
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WHEN: Wednesday, January 10th, 3:30-4:30 pm.
Networks Northwest's MiCareerQuest 2024 is kicking off with an information session.
MiCareerQuest is a hands-on event for students to explore Northwest Michigan careers in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, IT, agriculture, hospitality, and more. Last year's MiCareerQuest saw 2000+ 9th graders from the ten-county region attend the event.
Employers, schools, and community partners interested in learning more about the event are encouraged to attend.
To register, please visit their website and click on the Kick-Off Registration link.
MiCareerQuest Northwest 2024 will be held May 9 at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center in Traverse City, Michigan.
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Give the gift that gives back locally!
manistee county ca$h is a county-wide certificate program available for purchase online 24/7 and accepted at 30+ locations.
Use the link above to purchase today!
Further questions?
Contact carmen@manisteechamber.com.
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Need to update your information?
Let us know!
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As we enter the new year, we want to make sure our records are up to date.
If you have a new staff member, new address, or any similar information in need of updating, we want to know!
Please contact Carmen Kott at carmen@manisteechamber.com with this information.
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COMMUNITY TRANSFORMERS
These businesses have gone above and beyond to invest in the Chamber,
ultimately benefiting our community. Thank you!
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