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!