Land Use Vision = Quality Economic Development Projects

The Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a series of members issue forums about Muskegon’s main corridor, Business 31. Enhancement of the spine that links the Muskegon Area north to south, Business 31, has been the subject of several project charrettes conducted by the American Institute of Architects and local teams of planners and citizens.

Thank you to everyone that was able to attend. In the series of three meetings, representatives from the business community and public officials had the opportunity to learn about future improvements, discuss entry way features, enhancements and transportation trends, provide feedback and ask questions from industry experts, Progressive AE.

We need to continue the dialogue on this important topic and look forward to the conversations and results that will follow.

Overview of 2006 Natural Connections Summit

About Sustainable North-Central Muskegon County Charrette

2007 WMRUD Powerpoint Presentations

West Michigan Regional Urban Design Charrettes 2007 Introduction

Sustainable North-Central Muskegon County Charrette

THE MUSKEGON CHAMBER WANTS TO HELP YOUR BUSINESS GROW!!!

Can your business maintain and succeed during this shifting economy? The Muskegon Chamber is offering a Business Tune-Up seminar on what resources are available to help you plan your business's future in this shifting economy. What you have in your tool box can make the DIFFERENCE!!!
Come join us on Tuesday, November 25th, 8am to 930am, at the Muskegon Chamber office. Click here www.muskegon.org to register and learn how the Chamber can benefit your business.

West Michigan Chamber Coalition gets update on Regional Policy Conference

Co-Chairs of September's West Michigan Regional Policy Conference in Grand Rapids, Doug DeVos, Amway President and Jim Dunlap, Regional Group President, Huntington Bank, along with Jared Rodriguez, Vice President Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, presented a report on the Conference Directives to the West Michigan Chamber Coalition Boards of Directors at a meeting on November 11 on the campus of Grand Valley State University. They reported that the purpose of the conference was to provide a West Michigan voice, foster good public policy, align and focus efforts, accountablity and getting results.

The three main themes are: Economic Growth, Attraction and Retention of Businesses and Improvement of Government Functions.

The five important directives were:

• Eliminate the MBT with corresponding spending cuts
• Implement a right-to-work status for Michigan
• Increase funding for health care providers with effective prevention practices
• Streamline the permitting process within state government
• Update funding mechanizms for transportation infrastructure

Strategically working on these initiatives will take time and money. Discussion focused on how that will be formulated and a report will be given on the progress and success of efforts at the November, 2009 meeting.

Muskegon Chamber President Recognized as Chamber Professional of the Year!

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce Executives (MCCE) organization recognized Cindy Larsen, President of the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce, with the Michigan Chamber Professional of the Year Award. Larsen was selected through a competitive process with other state chamber of commerce professionals for her demonstration of high professional development and leadership standards. Larsen was selected from four chamber executives in Michigan to be named Michigan Chamber Professional of the Year.

The Michigan Chamber Professional program requires recipients to meet minimum criteria in three areas annually. Candidates must demonstrate excellence in Professional Development, Professional Service, and Organizational Performance.

Under Professional Development, candidates for the Michigan Chamber Professional Award earned points for continuing education efforts; for Professional Service, points were earned by serving on local or professional boards or by having articles published; and Professional Performance points were earned for membership growth, the quality of their communications pieces, unique or innovative programs, and advocacy efforts in their respective chambers.

Along with her service on nearly two dozen community service organizations, Larsen also serves on industry association boards including the Michigan Chamber of Commerce Executives, West Michigan Chamber Coalition Board and Government Advocacy Committee, Muskegon Area First, and Muskegon Main Street organizations.
Larsen demonstrated significant accomplishment in public speaking and outreach to the media and leads the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce on innovative program paths using new technologies. She has also been an active business advocate, working with lawmakers at the local, state and federal levels.

PLEASE HELP US IN CONGRATULATING HER FOR BRINGING OUTSTANDING RECOGNITION TO THE MUSKEGON AREA!!

Get Oriented

Network and learn!!! Take advantage of the benefits of Chamber membership- Meet the staff that can assist you in further maximizing your membership- Network with fellow Chamber members- Find out what committees and topics may be of interest to you & how you can get more involved
New members & long time members welcome

Muskegon Airport--Alive and Well

The Business Case for the Muskegon County Airport was featured at the Chamber's Early Bird this morning. Many don't realize the economic impact that the airport has--that is $56,000,000 annually!! People come here--eat, sleep, fuel, shop, scout for places to start their businesses, etc., etc. The airport ranks 8th out of 32 state airports in total operations. There are 95 airport-based aircraft here including single engine, multi-engine, jets and helicopters.

The Muskegon County airport gives us a competitive advantage and is important for the vitality of our community--both for getting people in and out -- but more importantly, for getting goods/services in and out on a timely basis. With "just-in-time" being an important business operation today, this service is imperative.

The Muskegon County Airport is the gateway into and out of our community for thousands of people from all over the globe each year. It deserves our support.

Lakeshore Economic Forum Speaker Presents Bright spots for Michigan's Economy

Michigan State Economics Professor Charles Ballard says that there are some bright spots in Michigan--He identified them as Healthcare, Information Technology, Biotechnology, Alternative Energy, Tourism & Recretaion.

Michigan can be a bright spot--but only if we make changes. Here is what he says we need to become more prosperous and sustainable as we move forward in this economy--

1. Better Attitudes--through a
Culture for lifelong learning
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
A more positive attitude to keep going through difficult times
An end to bitter partisanship
2. Better policies
Provide stable funding for Pre-K to college education and training programs
Reduce or eliminate the MBT--making up the revenue elsewhere
Adopt a graduated income tax
Broaden the base of the sales tax
Reform taxes on beer and wine

Even if a brighter future does arrive, it will take time.

the future

The chamber staff just returned from a state chamber conference. We learned that everything we know about operating in the business environment today will change in about 20 months. Not sure what that means exactly, but that we have to be ready to accept many changes. We also heard that we are entering the "Experience Economy". You can no long just offer a product, you need to make sure your product offers your customer some sort of experience. The outcome of the experience must be positive of course. The experience must be as memorable at the product.

Very interesting.

Multicultural Showcase Luncheon

On October 15, 2008 the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce held the 8th Annual Multicultural Showcase Luncheon. The luncheon was held at the Muskegon Country Club with a 115 in attendance. There were 15 minority and woman-owned business displayer's offering a variety of products and services they provide. We also enjoyed the 1-minute commercials each displayer presented. The facilitator for this event was Jennifer Pascua, WZZM 13 Weekend News Anchor and Reporter. We also met Natasha Henderson, Muskegon Heights City Manager who is new to our community. The Muskegon Country Club provided a Louisiana style lunch by serving beef debris over a baguette and cucumber cole slaw. Overall this event was another success! Thanks to our sponsors for the event; Premier Sponsor - Huntington Bank and Silver Sponsors - Johnson Technology, Mercy Health Partners and The City of Muskegon.

20 AGENTS OF CHANGE MAKE POSITIVE IMPACT IN MUSKEGON!

In conjunction with the committee’s mission to recognize, advocate, and promote the change and achievements in the Muskegon area, the Community Promotions Committee of the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce has selected 20 people from the Muskegon area as “Agents of Change” for 2007-2008. These people were chosen from a variety of different fields and businesses, all having made a significant positive change in the Muskegon Community over the last year.
A nominating committee from the Chamber’s Community Promotions Committee awarded ‘Agent of Change’ recipients during a networking reception held at the Sardine Room restaurant in Muskegon last week. Shelley Irwin, WGVU Radio’s Morning Show Host, was on hand to interview each recipient to learn about their work, investment, or project. The interviews will be complied into a ‘Positive Change in Muskegon’ segment to be aired on Thursday, October 30, 2008, from 9am – 11am on radio stations 850AM, 1430AM, 93.5FM, and 88.5FM.

Click here to view the list of Agents of Change!

CHAMBER RATES BUSINESS FRIENDLY CANDIDATES

Volunteers from the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee spent over 28 hours interviewing candidates running for Muskegon County Elections. Candidates discussed their experience, leadership style, knowledge of business issues and the community. They talked about their ideas on how they can help Muskegon County Prosper. The following star ratings are the result of those interviews.

Click here for your Muskegon Business Friendly Voter Guide!

RIDE ON MUSKEGON!

The Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce, Access Health, & the Employers Association of West Michigan present "Ride On! Muskegon County Bikes to Work" day!

The purpose of “Ride On!,” scheduled for Wednesday, August 20, 2008, is to promote healthier lifestyles through the use of healthy, alternative forms of transportation and to reinforce to our community members that bicycling is a viable way to save money on transportation cost.



Are your registered?
Is your business participating?
What sparked your interest about this event?
Has your employer made any workplace arrangements to encourage participation in this event?


WE WANT TO KNOW!!!

MUSKEGON RELEASES NEW GUIDE BOOK!

Now one of Michigan’s top tourism destinations, now has its own 216-page travel guide in paperback. RDR Books has written a comprehensive, illustrated guide that will be available in bookstores throughout the region. Muskegon 365 is an authoritative, first-hand review of the “best bets” for Muskegon – something you can’t get anywhere else!

“When we started this project, we knew there was a story to tell about this great recreational community”, stated Roger Rapoport, Publisher of RDR Books. “It wasn’t until we began working with the local chambers and visitor’s bureau that we realized Muskegon had so much to offer year around for visitors and locals of all ages. Rapoport has 25 years experience in travel writing and has been in the book publishing business for 17 years.

In the book, you will find information on attractions, places to stay, restaurants, local history, outdoor recreation, hidden destinations, maps and "best bets". “Muskegon has so many interesting attractions it was difficult to get everything properly covered in a traditional brochure”, explained Cindy Larsen, President of the Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce. Jill Foreman, Tourism Manager for the Muskegon County Convention & Visitors Bureau couldn’t agree more, “This guide book will help people who are interested in staying in Muskegon for an extended vacation”.

“Muskegon County is a year around destination, and it is important to get that word out”, said White Lake Chamber of Commerce President, Amy VanLoon.The Chambers and the Convention & Visitors Bureau, along with the Community Foundation for Muskegon County agreed to purchase advance copies of the book to help kick off the project.

Muskegon 365 is available at local and regional bookstores and online at http://www.muskegon.org/?page=muskegon365. The book retails for $16.95.

CAMPAIGN BUS TOUR STOPS IN MUSKEGON!

MUSKEGON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, MUSKEGON YMCA, AND COMCAST hosted the C-SPAN CAMPAIGN 2008 BUS on a visit to Heritage Landing in Muskegon on June 3rd as part of “Road to the White House” tour.

Residents had the opportunity to join the thousands who have toured C-SPAN’s Campaign 2008 Bus. The bus is a 45-foot mobile production studio traveling the nation to promote and enhance C-SPAN's extensive coverage of the historic 2008 presidential race. The "Road to the White House" tour includes stops at major political events in battleground states and tours of state capitals. During its travels, the bus also conducts civic educational programs for teachers and students. A revamped version of the renowned C-SPAN School Bus, the Campaign 2008 Bus is also continuing its educational mission with a focus on middle and high schools and first-time voters. Since its January 2007 launch, the bus has been to 48 state capitals and has hosted visits from over 300 elected officials, 3,000 teachers, 50,000 students, and 5 presidential candidates.


“With historically high levels of interest in this year’s presidential election, we’re excited to be on the road with the Campaign 2008 Bus,” said Tamara Robinson, C-SPAN Representative. “As the political network of record, we offer a variety of resources for everyone from first-time voters to serious policy wonks to make the most educated decision with their 2008 presidential vote.”

Muskegon Entrepreneur of the Year!

The 2008 Entrepreneur of the Year award winner is Rick Puthoff of Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken restaurants, Golden Corral, & Lighthouse Liquors. Since moving to Muskegon in 1975, Rick has owned various successful eating establishments in West Michigan among which are Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, Golden Corral and the former RAX restaurant as well as Lighthouse Liquors. Puthoff now employs approximately 200 people between his establishments.

Puthoff was one of four outstanding entrepreneur finalists nominated this year including Bob Brady, GMI Composites; Dr. Mark Campbell, Hot Rod Harley-Davidson & My Auto Import Center; and Dan McKinnon, Graphics House Publishing. Each was recognized at the Chamber Entrepreneur Awards Program on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at the Muskegon Country Club where top community leaders and entrepreneurs were in attendance.

Stimulus rebate checks are in the mail- SPEND LOCAL!

1. Employment- local businesses employ area residents.
2. Economic Development- every dollar you spend in Muskegon does the work of $5.
3. Community Interest- Muskegon merchants financially support local area activities.
4. Save Money- Muskegon merchants offer products and services at competitive prices- also saves you money on gas!
5. Personal Service- Muskegon merchants know their customers
6. Taxes- Your local purchases create local tax revenue
7. Variety, quality, & selection of merchandise- every conceivable product and service is available locally
8. Investment in our future- using local services helps keep our local economy healthy, developing a community with an even brighter future!

Last Chance to Mark Your Place in History!

We are nearing the final phase of completion for the new chamber of commerce Hines Building in downtown Muskegon! Occupancy is slated for mid summer. There are still opportunities for you to have your business or name recognized and preserved in history. You are invited to support the growth in our community by contributing to this campaign. Whether it is a financial donation or a product or service donation to have your name recognized on a paver, we want you involved!

This facility reflects the successful economic development of our community and the future success for years to come.Donations for the Building Fund Campaign can be made to the Muskegon Area Chamber Foundation and are tax-deductible. The Muskegon Area Chamber Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization. For questions or to make a donation, contact the Chamber at 231-722-3751 or visit http://www.muskegon.org/?page=buildingcampaign

New Guide for Visitors!

The Chamber is excited to announce that this year a new partnership has begun as the Chamber has joined forces with the County Convention & Visitors Bureau & The Muskegon Chronicle to present the first ever all-in-one coordinated tourism marketing package! This has resulted in better distribution & pricing.

Copies of the new Muskegon County Visitor Guide are available at the Chamber offices or can be requested on our website www.muskegon.org and will be delivered to all Chamber member tourism businesses in coming weeks. If you are interested in having these available for your guests or customers or would like them for business visitors, feel free to stop by and pick some up or shoot us an email, macc@muskegon.org.

Muskegon has become one of the most popular tourism destination in the Midwest and these guides will continue to help spread the word!