Posts by cjessup_cassidy@manisteechamber.com
CASSIDY JESSUP: Where are the untold stories of women in our business community?
Each story is only as good as the author who tells it, and this month especially, the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce is recognizing women’s stories in advocacy and business. Did you know, according to statistics highlighted by author Sarah Hollenbeck in Incfile.com, women-owned businesses account for 42% of all U.S. businesses, and are responsible for employing…
Read MoreOPINION: Businesses, individuals went above and beyond in 2022
For each of the five award categories, the Awards Gala Committee has selected the top three finalists to choose from in a live vote during the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce 2023 Business Awards Gala, presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Each of the finalists is a business or business leader that has demonstrated outstanding…
Read MoreDYLLAN WALKER: Winter provides downtime to enjoy Manistee’s amenities
It’s a great time to be a local in Manistee, Michigan. Following a busy summer and packed holiday season, we have a perfect opportunity to take some time for ourselves and embrace our community’s winter wonderland. From January to March, we see lower traffic, reduced business hours, only very little sun, and a lot of…
Read MoreCASSIDY JESSUP: Shopping locally in Manistee County has great impacts
It’s always Small Business season in Manistee County! Don’t miss out on the magic of traditional Christmas shopping – and the small businesses across the county have you covered. Not only is there a gift for everyone, but you’re also supporting your friends, neighbors, and community by shopping locally. When they thrive, we all thrive.…
Read MoreSTACIE BYTWORK: Housing, incentives make business easier in Manistee County
Making Business Easier in Manistee County: Housing and Incentives The demand for housing in Manistee County has continued to grow, and if we want to see action, there are many incentives and opportunities available. The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a non-partisan City Council and County Commissioner Candidate Forum last week, highlighting the issues…
Read MoreTED FRICANO: The process of bringing Fricano’s to Manistee
Everything was a fight. Opening a new business, Fricano’s Manistee River, would not be possible without the support from the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, the City government officials, realtor and Chamber Ambassador Gini Pelton, and the Downtown Development Authority. Four years ago, in 2018, I began scouting locations in Manistee. Initially, I was interested…
Read MoreCINDY VASQUEZ: A new perspective: investor, ambassador, community advocate
Positive connections are vital to growing our community, and the businesses within our beautiful county. For Manistee, it can be as easy as showing up to Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce programs and networking opportunities. As a Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, Leadership Program graduate, volunteer at the Annual Golf Outing, and regular attendee of Chamber…
Read MoreDYLLAN WALKER: Manistee chamber is the key to a complicated map
Manistee County has become a beacon on the map of Michigan communities. A place where many people come to vacation, only to leave wishing they could live here. Visitors watch with envy as residents relax on a Sunday afternoon instead of returning home for their work week. We have everything we need right here: a…
Read MoreMARC MILLER: Economic development ‘elevator spiel’ focuses on five projects
When talking to prospective entrepreneurs, or even when meeting new people, I will often ask, “what is your elevator spiel?” This is a 30-second pitch that you can use to convince a VIP that your project or idea matters and will have an impact. Regardless of your line of work or your volunteer activities, practicing a…
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