Momentum and progress! Several of our priority projects are getting “shovels in the ground,” and the development community has taken notice. Residents and visitors can see progress in the Hampton Inn and Suites, Fricano’s Manistee River Restaurant, and the Gateway Spirit of the Woods project. Other business developments and momentum-building projects materialize within the community, like Third Life Brewing.   In a collaboration with the Manistee County Visitors Bureau and developers, the Chamber placed multiple construction screens at the Gateway site. These provide thousands of marketing impressions and promotional messages for the area. The Hampton Inn and Suites construction team progresses on schedule, as we continue fielding and assisting interest from new developers and entrepreneurs. 

Construction screens along US-31 increased the attractiveness of the Gateway project and provided marketing during the busy holiday weekend.

Progress is being made, as Hampton Inn and Suites construction teams begin the elevator and stairwell.

Thank you for your support and investment, and we continue to look forward to making a difference in our community with this important work.

PRIORITY PROJECTS

Hampton Inn and Suites Project The Chamber assisted with communications needs during the initial stages of development.  Demolition completed in May 2022, on track for completion in May 2023. The development team established a June 2023 opening date goal. Construction teams have completed the piers and foundation, and continue to make progress on the stairwell and elevator. Gateway Spirit of the Woods Project Progress in Brownfield approvals, partnership agreements, and financing elements. Received approval for demolition in May 2022. Utilities are disconnected, and environmental abatement initiated. Demolition began the first week of June. All five buildings in the Gateway project area have been demolished. Partnership with Manistee County Visitor's Bureau to fund and design construction screens with promotional messages. Expect over 10,000 impressions. Fricano’s Manistee River Restaurant  Work is wrapping up on the rehabilitation of the building, with obvious interior and exterior progress. Supply chain issues occurred, but the owner remains optimistic about a summer opening. Pizza ovens and other kitchen appliances have been delivered and installed. Interviews and hiring continue successfully, with urgency to open and retain interested staff. A soft open in July 2022.

ATTRACTING BUSINESS & INVESTMENT

Downtown Manistee Development There has been interest in developing sites in the downtown district for commercial and housing projects. We are focused on providing a first point of contact for interested investors and providing assistance. Third Life Brewing The Chamber assisted the entrepreneur in expediting the approval of a brewer's license. Interviews, background checks, and Liquor Control Commission inspections are completed, and just waiting on approval in Lansing. An interior "tasting room" has been developed, with the upstairs open to development and room rentals. Final equipment has been ordered. The timeline for opening will depend on licensing.   Water Street Housing Project The developer is working with the Chamber on MEDC incentives.

STRENGTHENING LOCAL BUSINESSES

Business Retention and Expansion Visits There were a number of contacts and assistance provided to local businesses during the quarter.   Three new businesses are seeking assistance to relocate here, two of which successfully signed leases during this reporting period. We advocated for North Channel Brewing regarding the traffic disruption and have begun to discuss the next steps.

GOALS & OBJECTIVES

Lead Business Retention, Attraction, and Growth Talent and Workforce Development Growing Entrepreneurs and Necessary Career Skills Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Placemaking and Housing Needs Building a Collaborative Environment and Effective Communications

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL LEADERS

James Barker, Munson Healthcare Manistee Stacie Bytwork, Manistee Area Chamber Jeff Dontz, Manistee County Dennis McCarthy, Blarney Castle Oil & Propane Jim Reithel, Martin Marietta Magnesia Specialties Tom St. Dennis, Little River Holdings, LLC Bill Gambill, City of Manistee Scott Ward, West Shore Community College

THANK YOU ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INVESTORS

West Shore Community College Manistee Industrial Development Corporation Manistee County City of Manistee Manistee Downtown Development Authority Blarney Castle Oil & Propane Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital Little River Holdings, LLC Manistee County Visitors Bureau Filer Credit Union Consumers Energy Martin Marietta Magnesia Specialties Packaging Corporation of America Morton Salt West Shore Bank Iron Fish Distillery LakeStar Farms