MANISTEE, MICH. - Eleven years ago, I began my journey with the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, filled with a mix of emotions—excitement, fear, and uncertainty. With little understanding of the Chamber's role, I found myself delivering a speech at our Annual Awards Dinner just a week into my new position. Over the years, my mission has been to grasp the Chamber's function and foster a sense of belonging within our community.

I’ve often been asked, “What does the Chamber do for me or my business?” This question has driven me to make the Chamber’s value clear and relevant to our members and the broader community. I’ve come to understand that not everyone will choose to become a member, whether due to costs, differing visions, or personal preferences. Yet, our work continues, even if it sometimes limits our ability to serve the community in broader ways.

The Chamber is dedicated to enhancing our community and streamlining business operations in Manistee County. While we can often demonstrate tangible results, much of our work happens behind the scenes with multiple partners, locally, regionally, and statewide. We refer to businesses and organizations as investors because they are investing in the Chamber’s mission and in the collective efforts we undertake.

Reflecting on the past decade, I am grateful for all we have achieved together and it’s been a lot. Our advocacy efforts have been vital—such as leading the charge to reopen our region first during the pandemic and continuing to be a champion for Northern Michigan. Economic development remains a top priority for the Chamber, and our Board of Directors and Economic Development Council (EDC) play a crucial role in decision-making and understanding our community's ecosystem to increase investment and development in our area. We developed a leadership program that has created a network of leaders who understand the challenges and opportunities we face, uniting individuals for the greater purpose of community involvement. The Chamber has partnered with the Downtown Development Authority to serve as the Executive Director, streamlining operations and acting as a point of contact for downtown businesses, projects, and growth.

One of our great successes and collaborations has been the West Shore Community College Downtown Center, which has transformed a blighted property and fostered partnerships focused on workforce development, economic growth, tourism, and philanthropy. The formerly vacant “Old Kennedy School” site is now home to a 45-unit apartment complex dedicated to workforce housing, promoting walkability and accessibility in downtown Manistee. While I could go on about our involvement in convening and spearheading various projects, the key takeaway is that we as a community must remain open to change. The Chamber exists to advance these opportunities, build a better community for your employees, and, most importantly, create a sense of belonging—because that matters for the future of our community.

In life, it’s often when we step out of our comfort zones and push the boundaries that we discover new opportunities. Embracing risks may seem intimidating, particularly in small rural communities, but it is crucial for fostering growth. I took a chance on Manistee, and in return, this community took a chance on me. Looking back, I can confidently say we both made the right decision. 

Progress doesn’t happen without champions, a collective vision, and the right leaders pushing for positive growth. I hope this work continues and that everyone feels a sense of belonging—especially to your Chamber of Commerce—because we exist for you!

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The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit 501 C (6) organization, whose mission is to build a dynamic and sustainable organization to serve the Business, Workforce, and Economic Development needs of all in Manistee County. You can contact the Chamber at 231-723-2575 or communications@manisteechamber.com.