This morning the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce gathered veteran business leaders and those who’ve recently joined the membership for annual elections. In the last year, the Chamber of Commerce has added 52 new members. Bringing Houghton and Keweenaw County’s business community to 453 members a part of the chamber.
During 2024 the chamber also grew its online presence. Sharing the copper country’s celebrations with more than 8,000 people on Facebook, and 2,000 Instagram followers, as well as receiving more than 100,000 visits to the chamber of commerce’s website.
This is how everything is done. So 75% is from our membership investments. So again, your dues that are paid through the membership organizations that you’re a part of, that’s 75% of how we are funded. 16% is from our events, so make sure that you’re attending those events. Go out and have fun. That’s the money in our community. Keep it right here, keep it local. And then other, we collect a little, tiny bit, 9%. – Amy Roberts, Secretary, Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
The chamber introduced seven prospective members for board consideration; Mark Smith of Omega House, Owner of Keweenaw Boat Tours Jason Swain, Great Lakes Sound and Vibration CEO Lynn Houtari, UGL Family health communications manager Chelsea Jaques, Owner of the Keweenaw Learning Center Rehema Clarken, Lisa McKenzie, a regional planner with WUPPDR and Hancock city councilor, and MTU Public Relations manager Hailey Hart.
Additionally, three board members will run for executive positions; Abbigal Parker, Alexis Jaques, and Chad VanBennekom.
The Chamber of Commerce will accept board of director ballots until 3 pm today. Businesses can find copies of ballots at the chamber office in Houghton.
