Posts by bgates_communications@manisteechamber.com
When the Change Is Always Changing, by Blade Gates
BLADE GATES: When the Change Is Always Changing MANISTEE, MICH. – In writing this, there are only a handful of days before we enter 2025. Once we do, we’ll never be in 2024 again. Do you ever stop and think about the significance of that? Greek philosopher Heraclitus said that “no man ever steps in…
Read MoreLet’s have spirit this holiday season, by Blade Gates
BLADE GATES: Let’s have spirit this holiday season MANISTEE, MICH. – ‘It’s time to show some Christmas spirit!’ How many times have you heard someone say that? When we reach the final months of the year, showing holiday spirit becomes as prevalent as ever: bringing the family together for a Thanksgiving dinner, getting gifts ordered…
Read MoreBelonging Matters, by Stacie Bytwork
STACIE BYTWORK: Belonging Matters 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.…
Read MoreA Year at the Chamber: A Reflection, by Blade Gates
BLADE GATES: A Year at the Chamber: a Reflection MANISTEE, MICH. – In writing this, I am about a month away from my one-year anniversary working as the Marketing & Communications Specialist for the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce. People are always saying how time flies, and with each passing year, I continue to learn…
Read MoreBLADE GATES: Making the Most of an Election Year
BLADE GATES: Making the Most of an Election Year MANISTEE, MICH. – 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…
Read MoreCARMEN KOTT: Manistee Area Leadership Team: A Review
CARMEN KOTT: Manistee Area Leadership Team: A Review MANISTEE, MICH. – Time will always be a funny thing. In writing this, this year’s Manistee Area Leadership Program is coming to a close, when it feels like only yesterday I was welcoming this year’s cohort. Now they are gearing towards their big ribbon cutting to commemorate…
Read MoreBLADE GATES: Young Adults, Small Towns: The State of Gen Z and Millenials in Manistee County
BLADE GATES: Young Adults, Small Towns: The State of Gen Z and Millenials in Manistee County MANISTEE, MICH. – Let’s pretend that you are me for a second: a twenty-something-year-old college grad that lived in Manistee for most of your life. You leave for four years, come back a little older, now with a college…
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