Committee recommends local Chamber take over Manistee Regional Summit

The Manistee County Regional Summit Committee voted to recommend that the county Chamber of Commerce take over organizing the Regional Summit. The committee approved the recommendation after hearing a staff report on possible restructuring of the event.

Lisa Sagala, the county’s Controller/Administrator, said there have been ongoing discussions about restructuring the summit and that Carmen from the Chamber had visited Ludington’s Chamber to observe how their event is run. "The event could be in the morning for a couple of hours with some quick presentations," Sagala said, and she noted the Administrative Office would be available to assist if the Chamber hosted the summit.

Commissioner Nikki Koons asked where existing budgeted funds for the event would be allocated if the Chamber assumes hosting duties. Sagala responded that the handling of budgeted money "would be addressed at the next budget cycle." Following that exchange, Commissioner Eric Gustad moved—and Commissioner Nikki Koons seconded—a recommendation that the Chamber take over the Regional Summit as hosts; the committee approved the motion ("Motion Carried").

The minutes show no public comment was heard during the meeting. The committee adjourned at 10:07 a.m. The next formal step recorded in the minutes is addressing any budget implications during the regular budget cycle; the minutes do not specify a timetable for when the county will bring a formal agreement or memorandum of understanding to the Board.