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IN THIS NEWSLETTER


  • 2025 Northern Michigan Policy Conference


  • Critical Updates on Paid Sick Leave Legislation


  • Leadership Program: Healthcare Day


  • Next Month: Chamber UnTapped


  • Manistee County Community Christmas



  • ...and more!

SAVE THE DATE

Business Awards Gala: March 7th, 2025

Tickets go live December 20th, 2024

More Details Here

Time Running Out to Address Potentially Harmful Legislation


In a recent news release from the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, the Michigan Legislature is considering numerous policy changes that could have drastic impacts on Michigan's economy. One change includes a massive paid leave mandate that would apply to EVERY worker and business in Michigan.


Community members are encouraged to act now and contact their legislators to voice their opinions on this significant legislation.

Click Here to Contact your State Senator/Representative
Click Here For Details

2025 Northern Michigan Policy Conference

Friday, January 31st, 2025, 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, Acme MI


You are invited to the Northern Michigan Policy Conference, led by the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance, designed to leverage diverse strategies to enhance the northern Michigan region's standing as a world-class place for business, residents, visitors, and students of all ages.



  • Early Bird (through Dec. 31, 2024): $75/person (open seating)
  • After Jan. 1, 2025: $100/person (open seating)
  • Reserved Table for 6 (front of room): $500

City of Manistee Master Plan Survey


The City of Manistee is updating their Master Plan, a guide for growth and development in the City.



By participating in this survey, you can help make Manistee an even better place to live, work, and play! It only takes about 15 minutes to complete.

Survey Link

20Fathoms: Free Drop-In Coaching

third Wednesday of every month, 9:00 - 11:00 AM

400 River Street, Manistee MI 49660


20Fathoms is providing FREE monthly startup coaching services. Open to all entrepreneurs, coaching sessions are available on a drop-in basis (no appointment needed), at 400 River Street, Manistee MI.


Coaching sessions on specialized topics like funding and Native American entrepreneurship are also available by appointment.

More Information Here

Healthcare Day


On Thursday, December 12th, the Leadership Program Cohort ventured to Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital, spending the day learning about what our area healthcare offers.


  • The day began with a welcome by Kelly Tomaszewski, President of Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital/Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital, who shared updates on the hospital's services, recent improvements, and its role in improving local health.


  • They toured the construction of the Manistee County Medical Care Facility, getting a sneak peak at the building's progress and state-of-the-art features to look forward to upon its completion.


  • Finally, the cohort traveled to Centra Wellness Network to attend an insightful presentation by Karen Goodman and Leadership Alumni Rebecca Danison on the mental health services available in Manistee County.


Thank you to our sponsors— Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital, Filer Credit Union, West Shore Community College, Republic Services, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan— for their support of the Manistee Area Leadership Program!

Want to see where the cohort goes next? Follow the Leadership Program on Facebook!

Facade Grant Recipients


The Manistee Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has announced the recipients of the 2025 Facade Grant cycle:



  • Teresa Kieffer, property owner of 429 River Street (Wellnested)
  • James Matthew, property owner of 334, 336 & 338 River Street (The Purple Paintbrush and Clean Lines Tattoo Company)
  • James Pawlowski, property owner of 395 River Street (CC Jewelers of Manistee)
  • Z's Cart Rentals (443 Water Street)
Tickets Will Be Available at ManisteeChamber.com

Business Awards Gala: Tickets go LIVE on Friday, December 20th


Mark your calendars for an evening at the Business Awards Gala, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Care Network of Michigan. Let's come together and recognize the businesses, organizations, and individuals who have made strides, supported the local business community, and contributed to the quality of life in Manistee County in 2024.


Secure your table before Friday, January 24th, to receive the Early Bird Rate!

Reserve Your Tickets Here

Chamber UnTapped: Next Month!

Thursday January 23rd, 5:00 - 7:00 PM

Hampton Inn & Suites Manistee Waterfront


Start the new year off strong by joining us for our first Chamber UnTapped of the year at the Hampton Inn & Suites Manistee Waterfront.


  • This is the PERFECT opportunity for business professionals looking to network and connect.
  • $10 for Chamber Investors; $20 for Future-Investors


Thank you to Hampton Inn & Suites Manistee Waterfront and Boyer Agency for sponsoring this program.

Entry Form: Free to Participate!
Community Christmas Map

How are you decking your halls, storefronts, and homes for the holidays?



Get on the Community Christmas map!


Sign up your business, non-profit, or home for the Manistee County Community Christmas! This FREE program highlights local holiday spirit, promotes businesses and non-profits, and puts them on the map.


Presented by 4Front Credit Union. Sponsored by Boyer AgencyHighstreet Insurance & Financial ServicesJermaine Sullivan RealtorRiver Financial Planners, and The Historic Vogue Theatre.

Please welcome our latest Chamber Investor!

Home Builders Association of Northwest Michigan (HBANWMI): Over the last 54 years, the HBANWMI has believed in advocating, educating, and giving back to the community through activities and events – large and small. They are a membership association dedicated to helping members grow and prosper while being a local resource for homeowners to find quality services and reliable contractors. They work to connect builders, associates, and homeowners for a shared greater good for the community.

Businesses Needed for the Casman Alternative Academy Career Fair


Northwest Michigan Works!, a program of Networks Northwest, is looking for businesses to participate in a Career Fair opportunity, hosted by Casman Alternative Academy. There will be the possibility to meet with up to 60 students to share what your business is all about, provide job applications, business highlights, swag, etc.


The Career Fair will be held on Wednesday, January 22nd, at the Casman Alternative Academy Gymnasium. Set-up time is at 7:45 AM and the event goes from 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM.


The primary goal in hosting this event is to give students the chance to explore as many career opportunities in the Manistee area as possible. It also serves as your opportunity to represent your business, grab the interest of our youths with the careers available to them locally, and ultimately build and retain the future talent pool for our workforce.


Questions? Email JMG Specialist, Elayna Johnson: elayna.johnson@networksnorthwest.org

Registration Form

Healthy Holidays with Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Care Network of Michigan


This time of year is full of joy and celebration, but it can also be a bit stressful and filled with symptoms of the cold and flu. Employers can use the readily available Engagement Toolkits from Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Care Network of Michigan to remind their employees of available behavioral health resources and virtual care options, both of which can be very beneficial this time of year. 


Additionally, here are two articles from MIBlueDaily.com with tips on staying healthy and stress-free:

Employer Toolkit: Behavioral & Mental Health
Employer Toolkit: Virtual Care

Watch our 2023 Impact Report

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