Chamber of Commerce gathering elects directors

The Rogers City Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting and party at the Waters Edge restaurant November 2. The featured speaker, Scott MacKenzie, executive director of the Boyne City Chamber of Commerce, spoke on the subject of economic development and used examples from his experience in Boyne City that struck a chord with the Rogers City crowd. The program included a silent auction of local artists? items and a raffle. The tables were full and the food was plentiful. A special Life-time Commitment Award was presented to Harry Whiteley recognizing 59 years of continuous service to the local Chamber of Commerce. A good-natured roast of the longtime community activist was given by Mike Eustice, which had the whole room roaring with laughter. Not to be outdone, Whiteley continued the light-hearted repartee with his acceptance speech. Greg Frost, marketing director for the chamber, provided a view of the community from the eyes of a newcomer. He used the analogy of immigrant workers that came to America and worked in the plant he once managed downstate.

HE INDICATED that immigrant workers from former communist countries are enthralled by the freedom and opportunity this country has to offer, something that many people take for granted. He noted that it is one reason why many new workers seem to be able to make their own good luck in this country. Frost also said that he felt like an immigrant when he moved to Rogers City. The cleanliness of the city, lack of crime, general good will, and beautiful environment can be overwhelming to the newcomer, he said. ?It?s like I found the United States I used to know and it?s been here all the time,?

He said that he relishes the chance to tell his friends and family downstate what it?s like to live in a small community again. The fact that everyone knows their phone number by the last four digits up here is something that people downstate find hard to believe.

HIS MESSAGE was that many of the assets and benefits of the community are often overlooked by those people who have lived here all their lives. He encouraged everyone to highlight these amenities in their business ventures. Outgoing Chamber of Commerce president Bill Dempsey

thanked Frost for his remarks and congratulated him for significantly increasing membership in the short time he has been in the role of marketing director for the organization. The new officers for the Chamber are Armand Loiselle, president, Lisa Coolman, first vice president, Barb Niedbala, second vice president, and Becky Hanson, secretary/treasurer. The new members of the board of directors are Brian Bannasch and Dennis Downie. The other members of the board are, Lisa Coolman, Becky Hanson, Jackie Viegelahn, Bill Hanchett, Terri Beebe, William Dempsey, Greg Frost, Armand Loiselle, Al Stiller, and Harry Whiteley.

At the end of the meeting the floor was opened to allow business people, new and long time proprietors, like Richard Vogelheim, to express their opinions and general comments on business development in the city.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.