Volume 1 | February 2020
Monthly News & Updates
There are lots of new happenings going on at the Chamber in 2020! The new team is working hard to enhance communication and make our systems easier, for you our members, to use.

  • We have launched a new Chamber website. The Economic Development portion of site will be on-line soon!

  • There is a new Business Directory which is sorted by services. It will make it easier to search out other members to do business with! If you want to change or add categories to your listing contact us or log in to make changes.

  • Business After Hours Fast Passes are offered and available. You not only save money but skip the line to register & pay. Buy yours here!

  • 2020 Sponsorship Opportunities are now available. Are you interested in Chamber Events & Programs or Festivals? We really reviewed the options to provide your business with more visibility.

  • We are now using constant contact for our enews. We will be trying new formats to enhance viewing and to make it easier to connect with us!

We value all of our members and want to hear from you! Please contact Kristina when there is an important event at your business, information we should share on Facebook, and if you have a milestone or anniversary year.

If you don't inform us we may not be aware!
Upcoming Events ~ Mark Your Calendars!

Business After Hours~February 13
Sponsored by:
Munson Healthcare Manistee
Location: North Channel Brewing Co.
Business & Career Expo
NEW format this year!

  • 9:00 - 12:00 PM will be for students to explore career paths.
  • 12:30 - 2:00 PM Lunch & a Keynote speaker for all Manistee County members and business professionals.


More details to follow soon!
See all the upcoming events on the Chamber Calendar !

Don't forget as member benefit you can add your events. Just sign in and add away.
Legislative Advocacy

TWO MILLION Michiganders live in rural areas, and there are specific challenges to economic growth and prosperity, especially in Northern Michigan. State programs may overlook the unique situations in smaller communities while producing one-size-fits-all approaches that include Detroit and Grand Rapids. It is important that programs provide equitable access and scoring that can help rural areas with housing, economic growth, transportation, etc. 

The Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance is a group of chambers advocating for rural-focused policies that Your Chamber is a partner. Alliance members feel that these areas are poised for positive change and economic growth, but need high-level attention and advocacy in Lansing.  
 
The Alliance is building momentum and advocating for a Department of Rural Affairs & Development (RAAD) cabinet level position within Governor Whitmer's administration. The Alliance has almost 100 businesses and organizations in Northern Michigan and throughout the state supporting the creation of this cabinet position. 
 
Contact Stacie to add your voice to the businesses advocating for this cabinet level position and help Michigan become a leader targeting rural growth and stability! 

Economic Development

As part of the Chamber’s economic development work, we are implementing a business retention visit program for area businesses. The overall goals for these visits are to develop a relationship with face-to-face meetings, learn more about your business, talk about current and future growth, talent, development needs, and finally to explore opportunities to collaborate with or assist help you with your goals.  

We are also working with our state agency partners at Michigan Works! and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to provide the best service to our area businesses. When we add representatives from the agencies to a retention visit, we gain a broader conversation about potential assistance and resources for your business.   

If you are interested in scheduling a visit with MEDC and Michigan Works!, the following dates are available:  

February 5 (afternoon), March 4
April 1, May 6, and June 3

Contact Marc Miller , If you are interested in bringing these coordinated sources to your business, or if you would like to meet with the Chamber of Commerce initially on a date that is more convenient. 
Workforce Development

An Apprenticeship Information Session will be held in Manistee on January 30, 2020. It will take place at the Manistee ISD from 3:00 - 4:30 PM. Networks Northwest will present information about what an apprenticeship is, the process of developing the program and using apprenticeships to fill workforce gaps.

There will also be an expert employer apprenticeship panel which will include partners from MR Products, Sleeping Bear Farms, and Iron Fish Distillery. These companies will share their registered apprenticeship experience and answer questions about the practicality of the program. All businesses are invited and encouraged to attend it doesn't matter what size company small or large you have, your type of industry, if you are union or non-union, small or large.


Email Evelyn Szpliet today to register!
Member Spotlight
Visit the new Bear Lake Branch!
Welcome to Manistee!
Have you met or talked with the New Members?