A New Chapter for the Benzie Area Chamber

Building on Our Foundation While Growing to Meet Benzie County’s Evolving Needs

When I stepped into the role of Executive Director in January, I knew I was joining an organization with deep roots in our business community and a bright future ahead. Today, I want to share where we’re headed-and, just as importantly, my commitment to transparency as we grow together.

A Stronger Foundation Through Partnership

The Benzie Area Chamber of Commerce has formed a partnership with the Benzie County Economic Development Corporation, supported by Benzie County and a dedicated group of inaugural investors from across our business community. This isn’t a takeover or a complete reinvention-it’s an evolution designed to give us more capacity and resources to drive meaningful economic growth and development in Benzie County.

The goal is straightforward: create stronger, more effective connections between business and government, backed by partners in both the private and public sectors, so we can tackle the opportunities and challenges facing our county with greater coordination and impact.

What Stays the Same

The Chamber services and activities you’ve valued aren’t going anywhere. We will continue to:

Advocate for your interests through our partnerships with the Northern Michigan Chamber Alliance and Michigan Economic Development Associations
Host networking events that bring our business community together
Deliver monthly communications keeping you informed and connected
Provide member benefits including access to our email list for promotions, our events calendar, and more

These are the foundations of Chamber membership, and they remain central to our mission.

What We’re Hearing From You

I recently sent out a member preference survey to understand what matters most to you as we chart our course forward. The response has been encouraging, and I want to share what I’m learning:

Your Priorities for the Chamber’s Future Role:

Policy advocacy emerged as your top priority, with most respondents ranking it #1 or #2 in importance
Broad economic development initiatives followed closely-you want to see us engaged in business attraction and retention, infrastructure improvement, and countywide strategy
Sharing local business news ranked consistently high, reinforcing the value of keeping our business community connected and informed
Traditional chamber activities like Business After Hours matter to you, though you’re also hungry for us to do more

How You Want to Engage:

Email newsletters are overwhelmingly your preferred communication method
You’re interested in webinars/workshops and networking events/forums as primary resources
The best times for virtual events appear to be mornings (9 AM-12 PM) and afternoons (1:30-5 PM)

What You Need From Us:

Your feedback on improving the membership experience pointed to concrete, tangible support:

Help with workforce challenges and talent recruitment
Support for housing initiatives to improve workforce housing supply
Eliminating redundancies and facilitating collaboration across organizations
Increased, clearer communications
Live networking events

If you haven’t yet taken the survey, I encourage you to do so here. Your input directly shapes how we allocate resources and energy in the months ahead.

Where We’re Headed

To truly move forward, Benzie County needs a comprehensive economic strategy-one that doesn’t yet exist in a coordinated, countywide form. Over the coming months and years, we’ll be working to develop that strategy through multiple lenses:

Talent development and business attraction that considers our unique strengths and challenges
Entrepreneurialism and innovation that supports both new ventures and established businesses ready to grow
Cooperation and coordination across townships, municipalities, and sectors
Infrastructure development for housing, broadband, utilities, and transportation
Education and workforce training that prepares residents for good jobs here at home
Affordable housing so the people who work here can afford to live here
Stewardship of our natural resources that preserves what makes Benzie County a special place to live and do business

This is big-picture work, and it won’t happen overnight. But it’s work that matters-work that will position Benzie County for long-term prosperity while maintaining the character and quality of life that drew most of us here in the first place.

My Commitment to Transparency

As we grow into this new role, I’m committed to keeping you informed every step of the way. That means:

Regular updates in our monthly newsletter and monthly policy update-make sure you’re subscribed and that you share it with colleagues and partners
A Spring event where you’ll learn more about our strategic direction and have the chance to ask questions, offer feedback, and connect with fellow members
Open communication about successes, challenges, and changes as they develop

You deserve to know what we’re working on, why it matters, and how it benefits your business and our community.

Let’s Build This Together

I’m excited about what’s ahead, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead this organization during such a pivotal time. The Chamber has always been a convener, a connector, and an advocate. Now we have the chance to be even more-while staying true to the core mission that’s always defined us.

If you have questions, ideas, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. My door (and inbox) are always open.

And if you haven’t yet, [please take a few minutes to complete our member survey](survey link). Every response helps us serve you better.

Here’s to the next chapter-together.

Jon Willow

Want to stay in the loop? Make sure you’re subscribed to our monthly newsletter and watch for details about our Spring member event coming soon.