Programs and Events from the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, please be sure to allow images to fully enjoy this newsletter.
July 2016

Chamber of the Year Finalist!


Muskegon is home to one of the best chambers of commerce in the country!

Your Chamber has been named one of the 16 finalists for the 2016 Chamber of the Year award given out by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, or ACCE.

"Applicants have already proven themselves worthy of emulation and praise by the time they reach finalist status," ACCE President and CEO Mick Fleming said.

The Muskegon Chamber will be competing in category 2 with the Chamber of Greater Springfield in Ohio and Vail Valley Partnership in Avon, Colorado.

Organizations entering the Chamber of the Year competition must meet minimum thresholds in at least three of five key performance areas, including net revenue, net assets, membership account retention, and membership dollar retention.
 
In the final phase of the competition, the judging committee conducts in-person interviews with leaders from each finalist chamber. One winner from each category will be named at the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives annual conference in Savannah, Georgia, August 9-12.
Beautification of Sherman Boulevard
 
The Watch Muskegon Campaign committee has selected the beautification of Sherman Boulevard as its next big community project.   Sherman Boulevard is anchored on one end by the county's largest employer, Mercy Health, and extends through five municipalities until the other end at the award winning Kruse Park Beach on Lake Michigan. 
 
Beautification along with Education and Marketing comprise the three pillars of the Watch Muskegon Campaign.  The Watch Muskegon Campaign has been marketing the area's greatest assets such as the beautiful deep water port, popular festivals and its well-known fishing and boating opportunities.  Plus 475 people educated on the community through the Muskegon STAR! Program
 
The targeted beautification area is over six miles long and will take a few years to complete. "The great thing about this plan is that anyone can jump on board to make a difference," Watch Muskegon Project Coordinator Carla Flanders said.
 
People and organizations interested in getting involved can register to volunteer with the information below:
 
Clean Up Dates: July 25th - 29th      
Time: 9:00am-12pm or 12pm-3pm
Register to Volunteer: CLICK HERE
Day of Meeting Location: MATS McMurray Administration Bld., 2624 6th St, Muskegon, MI 49444
Clean Up Site: Sherman Blvd. from Seaway Dr. to Getty St.
What to Bring: Gardening gloves, sunscreen and reusable water bottle.
Seeking Donation:  If you are not able to volunteer, donations are needed i.e., new reusable water bottles, Gatorade, pre-packaged snacks, lawn svc, etc.
Heritage District
Downtown Muskegon has progressed and grown so much since the demolition of the Muskegon Mall some 15 years ago that it is time to present the Muskegon Heritage District to the world.

Quite simply, the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Muskegon Now have created and heavily promoted a 16-block walking path from the Depot to the Muskegon Farmers Market and back. Within a stone's throw of the Heritage District outline are all of the museums, cultural and art institutions, gardens, retail shops, public art, breweries, hotels, parks and restaurants that make up downtown Muskegon.

Not only does the Heritage District give people something to do while Downtown, it allows your Chamber to heavily promote the member businesses that are located in its outline. This is a great opportunity for members to get their name out there more, for future chamber members to see the benefit of joining the organization and for businesses outside of the downtown district to consider opening a location in the Heritage District.
 
CLICK HERE to view the Heritage District Map 
MEMBER BENEFIT:
Lakeshore Community Cash
Community Cash
Lakeshore Community Cash makes it easy to reward you clients, thank your customers and shop local! 

Your employees and clients have wide-ranging tastes and aspirations, so picking a gift that appeals to everyone is almost impossible.  That is why Lakeshore Community Cash is the perfect gift - it can be spent at dozens of local merchants and allows your recipient to pick something that is personal, relevant, and of value to them.  

Additionally, you are helping your local business community by keeping your spending local.

With Lakeshore Community Cash your employees/clients can:
  • Take their significant other out for a romantic dinner
  • Buy a killer handbag
  • Sip on gourmet coffee
  • Grab a local craft beer
  • Splurge on jewelry
  • Enjoy a much needed massage
  • And the list goes on! 
So slip on your shades and flip flops, relax, and know that your Chamber of Commerce has your employee/client rewards covered!
110% Chamber Supporters: Apr-June
Access Health
Ace Welding
Action Industrial Supply
ADAC Automotive
Affinia Health Network
Alex's Appliance Parts, Inc.
Alive on the Lakeshore
Alliance Beverage Distributing
Anchor Insurance Group Inc. - Holton Road
Anderson Global
Andrews Scheuerle + Huss, PLLC
Barrett Plumbing, Inc.
Bayer
Bleakley Law Offices
Carmen's Cafe
Catholic Charities of West Michigan
Chassix
Christian Business Roundtable
Christian Care Nursing Center
Coldwell Banker Woodland Schmidt Muskegon
Commercial Cleaning, Inc.
Comprehensive Ear & Hearing
Conn, Geneva & Robinson, PC
Culligan - Kaat's Water Conditioning
Diabetic Foot Management Co. of Michigan PC
Distinct Mission Group, LLC
Economic Development Foundation - Certified
Edward Jones - Joe Legros
Employee Benefit Services
Essentra Components - 450782
Family Farm & Home Inc.
FineLine Creative
First General Credit Union
Flowers by Ray & Sharon
Fredrickson Electric Inc.
G & L Chili Dogs - Sherman
Gielow Groom Terpstra & McEvoy
Global Business Promotions
Grasmeyer Bros. Guns & Supply, LLC
Guy's Ultimate Kayak Service, LLC
Handsome Henry's
Industrial Metal Cleaning Corporation
Integrity Trailers
Jet's Pizza - Apple Avenue
Joy Stirling L.L.C.
Lake Express, LLC
Lake House Waterfront Grille, The
Lakeshore Museum Center
Lascko Plumbing & Mechanical
Lighthouse Insurance Group

Lorin Industries Inc.
Merrill Lynch 
Michigan Mortgage
Michigan's Adventure Amusement Park
Midas Auto System Experts
Mona Lake Productions, L.L.C.
Muskegon Museum of Art
Nauticraft Corporation
Next I.T.
Northside Heating, Cooling and Refrigeration, Inc.
Norton-Lakeshore Examiner
Office Machines Company, Inc.
Paramount Collection Service
Professional Med Team, Inc.
Progressive AE
Ramos Towing
Republic Services
Re-Source Industries, Inc.
Roger A. Andersen
Roosevelt Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Community
Rootdown Yoga - Juice - Greens
S G Maverick, Inc.
Sable Points Lighthouse Association
Sanborn's Inc.
Schuitema Moving
Shepherd Shoreline Gutters & Garage Doors
Shon Cook Law, PC
Shoreline ENT, PC
Shoreline Landing Apartments
Shoreline Vision
Sonus Hearing Center - Colby Street
St. John Truck & Trailer Service, Inc.
Structural Concepts
Systems Service, Inc.
Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc.
Tanglewood Park
Trillium Events
Turning Leaf Behavioral Health Services, Inc.
US-31 BBQ of Muskegon Inc.
Watermark 920
Wayne's Deli
Weber Lumber Company
Wells Villa
Wesco, Inc.
West Michigan Injury Lawyers, PLC
West Michigan Rubber & Supply Co
Westshore Law Offices, PLC
Westshore Property Management
Workbox Staffing
Z Supply, LLC


 

Hometown Pharmacy -
Harvey Street Location

Date: THIS Saturday, July 23
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
(ribbon cutting at 10:00 AM)
5866 Harvey St
 
Brightway Insurance
Date: Friday, July 29
Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(ribbon cutting at 5:30 PM)
2638 Henry Street

Steak 'N Egger
Date: Thursday, September 15
Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
(ribbon cutting at 1:00 PM)
1535 Holton Rd










The Primary Election is August 2, don't forget to vote!

CLICK HERE for a printable version of the 2016 Candidate Star Ratings. These candidates have been interviewed and rated based on their views and intent to act upon the issues that impact businesses in Muskegon.

Upcoming Events
Date: Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Time: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: West Michigan Works! Office
Topic: The Muskegon STAR! Program provides individuals the tools to excel at customer interaction and enhance the overall experience for tourists, guests, friends, and fellow employees. BE THE REASON someone moves to, invests in, or visits the Muskegon Lakeshore.
Price: $25
Program Partners: Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce and Michigan Works! Muskegon-Oceana 

Date: Monday, August 29, 2016
Time: 7:30 AM | 1:30 PM Tee Times
Location: The Muskegon Country Club
Topic: Experience an exciting and fun round of golf at the Muskegon Country Club during the 2016 Chamber Classic. It's the perfect way to start your week!
Price: $125 per Chamber Member Golfer - Afternoon SOLD OUT
Tournament Sponsor: Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

REGISTRATION FOR ALL EVENTS CAN BE MADE ONLINE. CLICK HERE. 

Make an Impression

Quick Tip
5 Ways to Use Pok�mon Go to Increase Business
1. Take Advantage of Nearby Pok�stops
Pok�stops attract people who want to replenish items. By offering a special or a deal, could get them to use your business why they are visiting a pok�stop.
2. Drop Lures All Day
A lure increases the rate which Pok�mon visit a specific area. By purchasing a lure for $1 you will attract a lot of Pok�mon, therefore attracting a lot of people.
3. Organize Large Meetups
If someone in your business plays Pok�mon Go, have them organize a meetup for other individuals interested in playing.
4. Hop onto the Hype
If you are in the food service industry, make a food or drink resemble something Pok�mon related. If you are a retailer, look at selling Pok�mon gear.
5. Look Out for Future Sponsorship Opportunities
The founder of the game has stated that the game will offer opportunities for sponsored locations in the future.


Port of Muskegon Cruise Ship Schedule
July/August 2016

Saturday, July 23 - THIS SATURDAY
Ship: Pearl Mist
Arrival Time: 8:30 AM
Departure Time: 9:30 PM
Tuesday, July 26
Ship: Pearl Mist
Arrival Time: 7:00 AM
Departure Time: 5:00 PM
Sunday, August 14
Ship: Pearl Mist
Arrival Time: 8:30 AM
Departure Time: 9:30 PM
Wednesday, August 17
Ship: Pearl Mist
Arrival Time: 7:00 AM
Departure Time: 5:00 PM
Click Here to view the full cruise ship schedule

WANT TO VOLUNTEER?
For more information call us at
231-722-3751 or 

Let's Celebrate! 



Outstnaind Chamber Award
FacebookTwitterYouTubePinterestYouTube