As the largest business network in the Muskegon Lakeshore area, with over 1150 members, our members have access to numerous offerings and benefits that serve as a foundation for their success and growth.
For over 135 years the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce has been the enthusiastic voice and supporter of our diverse business community.
Networking, promotion, advocacy, business resources, and strategic partners, position our members for success. From a one-person start-up with a vision to organizations with thousands of employees, there is something here for everyone who loves business.
Download the 2023 Annual Report
Our Mission is to sustain an environment for inclusive business success through community leadership, promotion, business advocacy, and valued member services.
Community Leadership | A proud champion of downtown and waterfront development, Silent Observer, port promotion, and building for the future.
Community Promotion | The Chamber promotes the area as the best place to live, work and play and the administrator for the Watch Muskegon Campaign
Inclusive Business Advocacy | Providing the voice of businesses for all quality enterprises: multicultural, large and small, local, regional, and global.
Valued Member Services | The Chamber offers quality business information, member referrals, cost-saving benefits, networking opportunities, and affordable training.
History
The Chamber was organized over 135 years ago by prominent business leader Charles Hackley and his associates. Historically, many community advancements have been led by your chamber such as the development of U.S. 31 and Seaway Drive, the Muskegon Country Club, local public parks, organizing the first United Way, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, Greater Muskegon Jaycees, Lakeside Business Association, Women’s Division Chamber of Commerce and Greater Muskegon Economic Development (GMED).
In more recent years the chamber successfully advocated or led the effort for:
- The building of the Muskegon Area Career Tech Center & Grand Valley Innovation Hub
- A consolidated water-system
- A new Downtown Muskegon with the Farmers Market, Kitchen 242 and Western Market
- Creation of the statewide “Social District” legislation
- A tech base -Silent Observer program
- Parties in the Park
- The Lakeshore Art Festival
- Watch Muskegon Image Campaign
- Recruited Cruise Ships to dock in Muskegon
The chamber did not do these projects alone. The successful projects were dependent on partnerships with various public and private local stakeholder groups and volunteers.