Tuesday January 16, 2024

Good Afternoon Economic Development Investors,

I wanted to share some news with all of you in regards to Marc Miller, our Director of Economic Development. He has accepted a position with the University of Illinois and his last day will be on Friday, February 2, 2024.  

While we are sad his employment is coming to an end with the Chamber, we are excited for this opportunity he has for the future of his career and to be closer to family. Marc has been a true asset to the economic development program, and we appreciate his almost 4.5 years of dedication to this work building momentum and positive incremental change for our community.  

We are currently working on a transition plan, job posting, and we're thankful we have an economic development intern, Nicole Kaminski, who's on staff until the middle of March to assist with some of Marc's role.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me and I understand word travels fast in a small community. However, if you can kindly let us get this out to our membership and partners, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you,

The end of the calendar year is a great time for reflection. Looking back on the fourth quarter, the economic development program has made great strides. Much of the quarter was spent laying the groundwork for future projects. Most of the focus has been housing development— a vital need for our businesses and County to grow. 

Several developments in the works are not yet ready for public discussion. This is common: there are often months if not years of planning and preliminary work before your project can be discussed. As a recent Housing North study stated, Manistee County has a great need for housing of all kinds and to meet the needs of people in different stages of life and with various income levels. Our partnership with the Housing North County coordinator has rewarded us with more capacity to assist developers. 

An increase in housing units would help our employers attract new talent, bring in new families, and grow a population that can support even more local businesses. Fulfilling the needs of housing and childcare are key for business, community, and population growth.

Our CEO and president, Stacie Bytwork, recently wrapped up a Growing Michigan Together Council, Jobs, Talent & People workgroup where she was appointed by the Governor. The recommendations made to the Governor fall in line with the local needs we have identified in our own program.

The economic development program has built a foundation of solid momentum in recent years, and moving forward in 2024. Economic development is a collaborative team effort, and there are many important players - the Economic Development Council, Chamber Board of Directors, governmental leaders and officials, strategic partners that build capacity, and the staff of the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce. We all are pulling in the same direction, and, together, we will continue to make significant strides towards making Manistee County a community of choice.

Marc Miller

County Land Bank Grant Applications

• Ringo Oil Building Housing Project (518 1st Street), Northern Hotel, and Waterworks Building were submitted in December for the Blight Elimination Program Grant from the State Land Bank. The Chamber, EDC, and DDA submitted letters of support.
• Announcements will be made in February. 
• In order to take advantage of a successful grant program through the State Land Bank, the Chamber performed outreach to property owners who could participate in this program.  

Riley Apartments (Old Kennedy School-Manistee Township)

288-unit market rate apartment project.

• This project has been waiting for RFPs for demolition under a Land Bank grant. 
• Chamber learned that the request was published the first week of January. Impact to timeline is unknown at this time.  

518 First Street Housing Project

Demolition and redevelopment of up to 13 family-oriented housing units.

• The County Land Bank submitted a Blight Elimination Grant, prioritizing this project over two other projects for its housing component and shovel-ready status. 
• The Chamber drafted three letters of support for this project.  

Northern Hotel

A historic mixed-use development of at least 13 long-term apartments and first floor commercial space.

• The Chamber provided a presentation on Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act (OPRA) tax abatements and the project for an October 3 City Council meeting. 
• The Chamber also attended an October 17 hearing at City Council where the City approved the OPRA district and project certificate. The Chamber is grateful for the progress, and continue to work on assistance for the mixed-use project.  
• This project was the second priority for the County Land Bank grant submission, and, if awarded, will provide assistance in stabilizing the building, to avoid blight. 
• The Chamber also drafted three letters for this project.   

Housing-Related Contacts

• The Chamber and Housing North met with a consultant on Community Impact Investment Funds. 
• Housing North has initiated an effort to create a Housing North fund, but more time will be needed to create and fund this effort. 

Lakeside Social Restaurant Project

Restaurant and hospitality location on Arthur Street with Manistee lakefront access.

• Chamber participated in a meeting with the developer and regulatory agencies. Progress is being made and the developer is committed to the project despite delays.   
• Chamber followed up with conversation about progress. There has been movement on the regulatory review at EGLE.

Outsider Cafe Project

Downtown business opened in summer 2023 and requested additional chamber assistance.

• The downtown redevelopment liquor license application application is now in queue for MLCC consideration. Continued follow up is required.  

Water Works Request for Proposal Draft (RFP)

• Chamber staff spent time in October drafting an RFP for review by the City. The City will pursue a Blight Elimination Program grant before taking next steps.  

Discussions on retention, new businesses and expansion were provided to: Manistee Hotel, Riverside Motel & Marina, La Catrina Mexican Nishinaab, Saladino Smoke, Z's Cart Rentals, Fricano's Manistee River, Manistee Art Institute, Brick Wheels, The Outsider Manistee, Blue Fish Kitchen & Bar, two outdoor recreation business contacts, and others.

Outdoor Recreation Business Retention Visits

• To close out a grant from MEDC on outdoor recreation, the Chamber performed a number of BREs with companies and entrepreneurs engaged in the sector. 

The Vogue Theater

• The Chamber/DDA submitted a letter of support for the Vogue’s application for funds for an elevator and third screen. Effort will increase revenues and sustainability for the historic downtown anchor.  

Stacie Bytwork, Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce

Paul Cova, Packaging Corporation of America

Jeff Dontz, Manistee County

Bill Gambill, City of Manistee

Sammie Lukaskiewicz, Manistee County Tourism Authority

Eugene Magnuson, Little River Holdings, LLC

Dennis McCarthy, Blarney Castle Oil & Propane

Kelly Tomaszewski, Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital

Scott Ward, West Shore Community College/IDC

West Shore Community College

Manistee County

Manistee Industrial Development Corporation

City of Manistee

Manistee Downtown Development Authority

Blarney Castle Oil & Propane

Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital

Little River Holdings, LLC

Pioneer Construction

Manistee County Tourism Authority

Filer Credit Union

Martin Marietta Magnesia Specialties

West Shore Bank

Morton Salt

Iron Fish Distillery