CASSIDY JESSUP: Shopping locally in Manistee County has great impacts

It’s always Small Business season in Manistee County! Don’t miss out on the magic of traditional Christmas shopping – and the small businesses across the county have you covered. 

Not only is there a gift for everyone, but you’re also supporting your friends, 邻居, 在当地购物. 当他们茁壮成长时，我们都会茁壮成长. These businesses provide jobs, attract visitors, and are the heart of commerce in Manistee County. When a business is a part of the 商会, they are investing in the betterment of the community and everyone in it. 

The 马尼斯蒂地区商会 supports all these small businesses, advocating on their behalf and providing assistance as they grow. The Chamber also acts as the Manistee Downtown Development Authority, responsible for providing grant opportunities and successfully opened the ‘Stee Social District in 2020. Shopping locally helps small businesses, which invest in the Chamber, and build up our community.

Looking for the freedom of a gift certificate, without the commitment to one business? Manistee county ca$h is accepted at over 30 locally owned businesses, so purchase yours online today at ManisteeChamber.com. 

Not to mention, shopping locally has so many perks! But how do the businesses themselves feel about it? The 马尼斯蒂地区商会 asked small businesses: why is your small business vital to our community? 以下是他们的一些回答:

港口城市商场

“When you shop at 港口城市商场 you are literally helping our small family that also lives in downtown Manistee. And, the better we do, the more we can give back,” according to owners, Pat & 安妮塔·谢弗. Everything they sell is exclusively made in our area, by another mom & pop shop, or by a “fair trade artisan lifting themselves out of poverty.”

熊湖王牌五金/木材 & 供应公司.

“作为一个家乡, 当地五金店, we continually put money back into the community,” said store representative Sean Adams. “Everyone that is employed here lives in Bear Lake.” Across the county, small businesses provide jobs, supporting community growth and wellbeing. 

Bear Lake Ace Hardware is “the only carrier of Benjamin Moore [premium and commercial paints] in Manistee County.” Get your HGTV obsessed friend a gift of a new color! 

北方香料公司

“This is the avenue through which our business can support other small businesses locally and throughout Michigan,业主兼经营者说, 迪安娜沼泽. “Our business also utilizes local businesses for a variety of supplies and advertising. Small business is important to every community – supporting them is the WIN!”

“北方香料公司 offers premium fresh spices/spice blends mixed in our facility

每天. We also pride ourselves on offering quality local and Michigan-made products.”

的前哨

“The Outpost of Manistee has been outfitting the community since 1999,老板Carrie Mosher说, and will continue to do so with your support. “找一套完美的衣服, 外套, or accessory from some of the leading outdoor brands like Patagonia, 部落, 库尔, 和Smartwool. We look forward to serving you a warm cup of coffee or tea and helping you find gifts for your loved ones this holiday season!”

复兴和刷新美学

“It is important as a community that we support local businesses to keep Manistee financially stable and thriving. Money spent in Manistee stays in Manistee,” said owner Jalie Mowry Lipa. “We are supporting our 邻居, our friends, and our community when you shop locally. It is the small-town touch of walking in, 知道你的名字, and making you feel comfortable when you shop local Manistee.”

“Revive and Refresh offers laser hair reduction, 面部照片, 激光治疗, 纹身去除, PDO线程, 还有维生素注射, along with many other great services.” 

So how can we support our small businesses today and throughout the season? It can be as simple as writing a review on your favorite local eatery or sharing recommendations with friends on social media. 

For personable, hands-on, and memorable customer service, shop small this season! Most places will go out of their way to find what you’re looking for, and returns are as simple as coming back into the store. Plus the instant gratification of going home with a new purchase, 通常已经包装好, compliments of your local businesses!

This Christmas, and all year round, let’s shop in Manistee County. We have everything locally to make your holiday season memorable!

Cassidy Jessup is the marketing and communications specialist for the 马尼斯蒂地区商会. She can be reached at 231-723-2575 or cassidy@fnyt.net.