IN THIS ISSUE

• Legislative Advocacy
• Leadership & Professional Development: Government Justice Day
• Gala: Final Call for Tickets!
• Investor Updates: Free Business Workshops, International Fly Fishing Festival, BluWave Ribbon Cutting, and the 3rd Annual GLEF
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From Manistee to Washington DC: Bytwork with the 9th Cohort of the US Chamber Foundation Business Leads Fellowship Program

This month, President & CEO of Manistee Area Chamber, Stacie Bytwork was invited to Washington DC to kick off the 9th Cohort of the US Chamber Foundation Business Leads Fellowship Program.

Following a competitive application and selection process, Bytwork was among the 35 state and local chamber executives selected from across the country for the opportunity: the Washington DC visit is only the beginning for this year-long program.

"The past couple of days were full of informative data and networking with some amazing colleagues from across the country." said Bytwork. "I'm grateful for this opportunity and looking forward to learning more to make a positive impact on our community!"

By the end of the program, cohort participants will have developed their skills to launch successful education and workforce programs in their communities.

What a valuable opportunity and fantastic way for northern Michigan to be recognized on a national-level!

Up to $300K for Small Manufacturers

Small and medium-sized manufacturers can get up to $300,000 to improve efficiency, productivity, and emission levels with the Industrial Assessment Centers Implementation Grant Program, from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in collaboration with its Partnership Intermediary, ENERGYWERX.

Deadline: The next application review is March 31st.

Leadership/Government Day

Lisa Sagala, the County Administrator from the Manistee County Government Center, welcomed the 2023/2024 Leadership Cohort to initiate our Government/Justice Day last Thursday. The cohort had the opportunity to engage in insightful conversations with Commissioners Jeff Dontz and Eric Gustad, along with our County Clerk Lindsey Marquent and County Treasurer Rachel Nelson. These discussions were highly productive and educational, providing the cohort with an in-depth understanding of why leadership matters even in our local government systems.

During our day, we visited the Lakeshore Children's Advocacy Center to learn about the importance of advocating for safe and supportive environments for children and families. We also got the behind-the-scenes tour of the Manistee County Sheriffs Department and Central Dispatch Center. We ended the day at the Oaks Correctional Facility learning about their Leader Dog Program for the Blind.

Thank you to the Manistee County Sheriffs Department for sponsoring the lunch provided by Big Al's Pizza and Subs.

Thank you to our Power Hour sponsor Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan which allowed our President and CEO Stacie Bytwork to share the importance of legislative advocacy and partnering with the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance.



Thank you to our program presenting sponsors: Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital, Filer Credit Union, and West Shore Community College.

It's not too late to get your tickets!

All ticket reservations must be made by the end of Friday, February 23rd.

If you are interested in lodging, please call the Little River Casino Resort at (231) 723-1535 to reserve your room. Mention Manistee Chamber Annual Award Dinner for a discounted rate!

The Business Awards Gala is presented to you by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS!

We are always looking for ways to get your name out there.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Carmen Kott at carmen@manisteechamber.com or 231-723-2575 to discuss your options.

Please welcome our new Chamber investors!

BluWave: BluWave is a 24-7 automatic touchless car wash, located right on US-31. They offer self serve bays and vacuums, with all new high performing equipment to better serve the community.

Nuñez Outdoor Living: Nuńez is a full Outdoor Living Design & Build Firm. Their services include landscaping expertise, custom hardscaping, outdoor kitchen design and installation, fire features, water features, and maintenance service.

Bellsprouts LLC: Bellsprouts offers new and gently used clothing sizes newborn to teens. They also carry baby gear, toys, and maternity.

Free Business Workshops Presented by Summit Business Guides

Mark your calendars for two FREE business workshops with Ryan Howe of Summit Business Guides. 

Each workshop is limited to up to 25 attendees.

You can learn more about Ryan Howe at SummitBusinessGuides.com

Click below to register!

International Fly Fishing Film Festival

The International Fly Fishing Film Festival is making its debut in Manistee! The festival will be shown at The Vogue Theatre on March 2-3, presented by Iron Fish Distillery and Manistee County Tourism Authority.

Tickets to the film festival are $25 per person for nine short films which will be presented consecutively and in less than two hours.

Join us for the GRAND OPENING of BluWave

Join us in celebrating BluWave's ribbon cutting on March 15, 2024 at 12:00pm in which we will welcome them to the Manistee community.

Come hungry: the Dawgman Foodtruck will be in attendance!



Get a FREE lunch with purchase of a car wash from 12:00 - 2:00pm.

3rd Annual Great Lakes Environmental Festival (GLEF)

On April 20th, the 3rd annual GLEF festival will host both the Environmental Expo in the commons and featured speakers in the auditorium.

This festival is FREE admission!

Whether you have details for a program to be mentioned in an upcoming newsletter or have contact information in need of updating, email Blade Gates at communications@manisteechamber.com.

COMMUNITY TRANSFORMERS

These businesses have gone above and beyond to invest in the Chamber,

ultimately benefiting our community. Thank you!