|
|
Click here to read Wes Eklund's update from this trip.
Several legislative priorities were highlighted during the briefing including, simplification of the administrative tax process, roads project funding and others. Muskegon Chamber President Cindy Larsen and Board Member, Lee Coggin, President of Baker College were in attendance.
|
MUSKEGON, MI – The Muskegon City Commission Tuesday unanimously approved a Harris Hospitality redevelopment proposal for the beach bar property at Pere Marquette Park, and the restaurant group and city hope it will lead to much more.
Harris Hospitality – a Muskegon-based restaurant group that includes Dockers Fish House and Pints and Quarts Pub – was among three proposals the city received for the vacant restaurant building at 1601 Beach St. The old CJ’s on the Beach was closed last summer due to financial difficulties of the prior owners and the city obtained the building through non-payment of a lease.
The Harris Hospitality proposal was a five-phase redevelopment of the property, including the likely removal of the old beach pavilion that was converted into a beach bar in the 1970s. Commissioners waived a proposal deadline that was not met by Harris Hospitality to pave the way for a plan that was recommended by a City Hall review panel that included a representative of the park’s adjacent neighborhood association.
MUSKEGON, MI – Through the toughest of economic times over the past decades, Muskegon has always looked at its location on the water as an advantage that would someday bring future prosperity.
Those that have been hoping for major economic progress in the face of high local unemployment and declining incomes will want to pay attention to this week’s announcement of the Michigan Energy + Technology Center by Consumers Energy, Rockford Berge, Michigan State University and a group of companies across the state.
The center – under development for more than a year by companies with an interest in Muskegon’s port and advanced manufacturing capabilities – was announced May 6 at a national wind industry conference in Chicago. The two immediate plans are to work on building up the Port of Muskegon’s infrastructure, while Michigan State University will create a “virtual” research center to begin working with private sector companies on energy and technology developments.
MUSKEGON, MI – Since coming to Muskegon in 1975 to help in a family business, Frank and Gina Lister have been setting the local culinary bar high ever since.
The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce honored the couple’s long history in Muskegon developing and operating many popular local restaurants by selecting them for the 2013 Entrepreneur Award.
The Listers were selected by a chamber committee of past entrepreneur winners to receive the chamber’s 32nd annual award in a group of three other nominees.
MUSKEGON, MI – After more than two months of public debate over the future of the Muskegon Farmers Market, the Muskegon City Commission voted 6-1 on Tuesday to endorse plans for a new market in downtown Muskegon.
The commission agreed with the concept of moving the market from Yuba Street to a new facility at West Western Avenue and Terrace Street. The nonprofit Downtown Muskegon Development Corp. will now begin raising $3 million privately to build the market, which will be donated to the city for its operation.
Click here to read the full story on Mlive...
Five of the area’s leading entrepreneurs are being recognized at the 2013 Entrepreneur Award Luncheon, where the winner will be announced. This year’s finalists are all creative, passionate, and innovative entrepreneurs who are making a difference along the Muskegon Lakeshore. Not only do they provide our community with in-demand products and services, but each has had a positive impact on the community with the creation of new and much needed jobs. (full story)
The 2013 Entrepreneur Award Finalists are Harold Hall, owner of Hall’s Sports Center; Michelle Harris, Co-Owner of Harris Hospitality; Frank & Gina Lister, owners of The Hearthstone Bistro and Catering; and John Sytsema, owner of Sytsema Funeral Homes.
Harold Hall is the owner of Hall’s Sports Center, a boat dealership and service center with locations in Muskegon, Grand Haven and Grand Rapids. Harold began his career as a boat salesman in high school and now employs 34 people between his three locations.
Michelle Harris is one of four partners in Harris Hospitality, which started with one restaurant and 30 employees in 2003 and has since grown to four restaurants and a catering business that employ up to 175 people during the summer season. The Harris Group’s establishments include Pints & Quarts Pub and Grill, C.F. Prime Chophouse & Wine Bar, Dockers Fish House & Lounge and their newest venture – Verdoni’s Italian Restaurant.
Frank and Gina Lister are the owners of the Hearthstone Bistro Bar and Grill. Throughout their careers as restaurateurs, they have owned and/or operated a number of local establishments throughout Muskegon including the Brownstone at Muskegon County Airport, City Café, Rafferty’s and others. In recent years, they have narrowed their focus to the Hearthstone along with increasing their catering business. They currently employ upwards of 75 people.
John Sytsema is the owner of Sytsema Funeral Homes with three locations in Muskegon including Sytsema Chapel on Apple Avenue, Walburn Funeral Home on Sherman Boulevard, and Lee Chapel on Harvey Street. What began as a one man operation now has a full time staff of 34, including 12 licensed funeral directors, who serve approximately 700 families each year.
The Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the e-merge Entrepreneur Network and the Michigan Small Business Technology and Development Center to create a business fitness check up! Completing the one page questionnaire will give businesses insight to just how healthy their business is. Based on the results, the three organizations have options available for assistance!
Not so fit? Meet with a free SCORE business councilor or access the resources on the e-merge entrepreneur website… www.e-mergewestmichigan.org.
Bankers, Attorneys, CPA’s and others are welcome to use it with their clients as well!
Click here to access checklist.
A new training program to prepare workers for advanced manufacturing started in Muskegon early January, and the first dozen to graduate will be honored in ceremonies March 7 at Muskegon Community College.
Economic development official Ed Garner hopes a new training program will help sell outside companies on the potential of the Muskegon-area workforce.
Partners in the new educational endeavor include Muskegon Area First Economic Development Corp., Michigan Works! of Muskegon/Oceana, The Employers’ Association, the city of Muskegon, the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, Muskegon Community College, and representatives of various industrial companies.
For more information go to,
Grand Rapids Business Journal
mLive
A group of high-income “angels” from the Muskegon area are preparing to make a long-term investment in the region’s business and job-creation potential.
More than 20 investors have launched the Muskegon Angels, the first “angel investor” group in Muskegon County. Leaders of Muskegon Angels announced at a press conference Friday morning that the participants have agreed to invest at least $125,000 over the next five years.
Check out this recent live chat with Cindy Larsen, Chamber President and Roger Zuidema, Lake Effect Boating. The two field questions about Muskegon’s waterfront recreation, development and expansion!
Click here to view the live chat on Mlive
Page 1 of 8
Find out how the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce could benefit you.
Within the past month, important meetings with state officials have been taking place...
Business leaders came together in late April for the inaugural West Michigan DC Fly-In to talk about issues of critical importance to our region. The group's primary focus was to provide a West Michigan perspective to Congress on issues such as healthcare, tax reform, transportation and the Great Lakes.
Governor Rick Snyder joined representatives from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Lansing last month as well to brief Chamber leaders from around the state on legislative priorities for the upcoming year. The briefing included a report on the economic competitiveness of Michigan compared to other states.