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IN THIS ISSUE
- Legislative Advocacy: 2024 Candidate Forum, Fossil Fuels Lawsuit, Childcare Environent Provisions
- Economic Development: CEDAM Real Estate Bootcamp, New Chamber Hire Nicole Kaminski
- Manistee Area Leadership Program Wrap-Up: July Ribbon Cutting
- "So Much. So Close." marketing campaign for Downtown Businesses
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Have you watched our 2023 Impact Report yet? | Because of the support and efforts of our Chamber Investors, we continue to see new investment in the community and renewed investment from the established businesses in the area. You are invited to peruse our 2023 Impact Report, which encapsulates a snapshot of our community's accomplishments over the past year. | |
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Michigan Chamber leads business community response to Nessel fossil fuels lawsuit
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce, alongside several business advocacy organizations, voiced their strong disapproval and opposition to Attorney General (AG) Dana Nessel's announcement of the intent to sue the fossil fuels industry.
The outcome of this lawsuit could have a large effect on Michigan's business community and overall attractiveness to job providers.
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Michigan Chamber sounds alarm, budget provisions harm childcare environment
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce along with other business organizations and leading childcare advocates, held a press conference urging legislators to reconsider both State House and Senate budget provisions that would put Michigan’s childcare environment at risk.
The concern is that the outcome of this provision could result in an increased cost of childcare tuition across Michigan.
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SAVE THE DATE
Join us for our 2024 Candidate Forum, a free public forum to learn about local candidates and beyond.
WHEN: Thursday, September 12, 2024
WHERE: Downtown Education Center
400 River Street, Manistee MI
Several positions are due on both state and local levels. This includes all positions for the Townships, Prosecuting Attorney, Sheriff, County Offices, Drain Commissioner, Surveyor, County Commissioners for each District, Delegates, several millages, and more.
More details, including the forum line-up, will be available soon.
link on County Clerk and City Clerk
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Making the Most of an Election Year
by Blade Gates
In the off-chance you haven't heard, 2024 just so happens to be an election year for our nation. Surprise! For many, election years are a turbulent time where one may feel nothing but excitement, another may feel anxiety. Where some are deeply involved in their local politics, others may be completely out of the loop. Whatever the election year means to you, I would encourage you to start thinking now about how you will choose to participate in this year's elections… and that it might not be as daunting as it seems.
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ED Director Begins Position
As of June 3rd, Andrew Stafford officially began his role as our new Director of Economic Development.
Pictured right if Stafford (standing to the left) at the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan's Real Estate Book Camp, a training program designed to give trainees the tools necessary to develop affordable housing in any community.
We are excited to see how this training will be brought to future conversations on Manistee housing projects!
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Andrew Stafford (pictured standing left) at the CEDAM Real Estate Boot Camp at Crystal Mountain. | |
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New Chamber Hire
Our chamber team just got a little bigger!
The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that Nicole Kaminski, whom we previously had as our Economic Development Intern, has officially joined the chamber full-time as Program Specialist!
We are so thrilled for Nicole and to have her on board. Please welcome Nicole as the latest addition to the chamber staff!
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That's a Wrap!
Join us for the First Street Beach Dog Park Ribbon Cutting
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Over the course of nine months, the Manistee Area Leadership Program has explored all kinds of key skills, met current community leaders, and witnessed the many important areas of Manistee County. The cohort has also completed their community service project: revamping the First Street Beach Dog Park. And what better way to wrap-up a successful program than by going bowling?
Mark your calendars for cohort's ribbon cutting on Thursday, July 18th at 3:00 - 4:00 PM at the First Street Beach Dog Park as they celebrate the completion of their efforts!
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"So Much. So Close." campaign for Downtown Manistee businesses.
The Manistee Downtown Development Authority and Eagle 101.5 FM are once again partnering to give downtown merchants an affordable way to promote their business while marketing downtown Manistee as a destination during the US 31 detour.
Collectively the campaign will run July thru October and help mitigate the impact of the US-31 detour.
Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of this collaborative effort to help Downtown Manistee thrive this summer!
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2024 Chamber Golf Outing: Thank You!
Tuesday, June 18, 2024, Crystal Mountain
It was a wonderful, warm day at the 2024 Chamber Golf Outing. A big THANK YOU goes out to Smith & Eddy Insurance and Frankenmuth Insurance for their support in making this program possible!
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Let's have a great Manistee National Forest Festival!
Wednesday, July 3 - Sunday, July 7, 2024
Can you believe the Manistee National Forest Festival is almost here?!
There is so much to look forward to, that it can't all be described in one paragraph. That said, be sure to peruse our 2024 Digital Brochure below to get a glimpse at all to look forward to.
Also be sure to go to ManisteeForestFestival.com and follow Manistee National Forest Festival on Facebook to stay up to date on all things Forest Festival!
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Is your business planning an event around the festival? Let us know!
We will continue to update our Event Schedule webpage throughout the festival.
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2024 Manistee National Forest Festival Digital Brochure | |
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Save the Dates: Look forward to two more Chamber UnTapped's this year!
Mark your calendars and join us at one of these networking opportunities!
Thursday, September 19, 2024
5:00 - 7:00 PM
Manistee Elks Lodge No. 250
432 River Street, Manistee MI 49660
Thursday, December 5, 2024 (Holiday Edition)
5:00 - 7:00 PM
Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts
101 Maple Street, Manistee MI 49660
There are still a couple of sponsorship opportunities left for these two programs. Please contact Carmen Kott at carmen@manisteechamber.com to explore your options.
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We always look for ways to get your name out there. For more information, please contact Carmen Kott at carmen@manisteechamber.com or 231-723-2575 to discuss your options. | |
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Member Monday Episode 5
Armory Youth Project
Each Member Monday, a Chamber investor (selected at random) is given the chance to share a little bit about who they are and what they do within Manistee County.
This episode, we visit Janice Davidson of the Armory Youth Project, in which we take a tour of the building, talk about their hosting the Manistee Arts & Crafts Show at this year's Manistee National Forest Festival, and why providing opportunities for local youth is important in any community.
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Get yourself a stash of manistee county ca$h!
Summer is here: what better way to spend the season by spending your money at your favorite local business?
When you use manistee county ca$h, you are supporting the Manistee community and ensuring that your dollars are being locally spent.
manistee county ca$h is accepted at over 30 locally-owned businesses and is SUPER easy to purchase!
Are you a Manistee merchant interested in having your business accept manistee county ca$h? Let's talk! Email Carmen Kott at carmen@manisteechamber.com for more information.
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Coffee Hour with Manistee News Advocate
Wednesday, June 26th, 9:00 - 10:00 AM
75 Maple Street, Manistee MI
Join the Manistee News Advocate staff for coffee and treats. Get to know our team, ask questions, and hear about what's on the horizon in the news world! All readers are welcome.
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Model T Ford International Club
Coming to Manistee
Wednesday, July 17th, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Manistee MI
About 250 Model Ts with the Model T Ford International Club will be driving in and around Manistee for several hours.
They are slower moving vehicles and they try not to impede traffic. That said, you will see a noticeable addition of 250 Model Ts in and around downtown and around First Street Beach most of the day.
Manistee Tourism encourages you to host fun things for your businesses to woo and welcome the Model Ts. Let's represent Manistee to the fullest!
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Have an update for a future newsletter? Let us know! | |
Whether you have an event you would like the Chamber to attend, contact details in need of revision, or other updates, email Blade Gates at communications@manisteechamber.com. | |
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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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