Innovation through collaboration

The Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce, the Middle Michigan Development Corp., and the Mount Pleasant Area Convention & Visitors Bureau are now housed under one roof – creating an opportunity to not only share ideas and resources, but to pioneer new collaborations and ventures as well.

The missions behind each the three entities all in some way affect the Mount Pleasant community and the local economy, so the move really just made sense, explained Lisa Hadden, president and CEO of the Chamber.

“We’re an economic hub,” Hadden said. “We have a lot of expertise here and now we can work together on many projects that will benefit the community as a whole.”

Located in the old downtown Isabella Bank at the corner of Broadway Street and University Avenue, the entire office has been renovated to have more of a welcoming environment.

“It’s very convenient for everyone, too,” Hadden said. “We have so much more space. And we have board and meeting rooms now, which we also can open up to community groups.”

And Mount Pleasant community members, business owners and visitors can find all the services they need in one area, too.

“I think it’s wonderful,” said John Olson, vice president of finance and underwriting for the General Agency Company. “This type of environment really creates an opportunity to enhance successes and leverage resources.”

Chris Rowley, director of the Convention & Visitors Bureau, said she is looking forward to new possibilities that will naturally arise.

There is potential to come together on grants and many other projects such as the Le Tour de Mont Pleasant, a bike tour that attracts thousands to the area in June, Rowley said.

“There will be a lot of opportunities here that we have yet to discover as well,” she said. “By joining forces we are able to have a bigger impact in the long run, too, which is really important, especially in today’s economy.”

The move also meant that Miranda Walker, previously the office coordinator for only the chamber, could expand into a full-time position that allows her to work with all three entities.

Walker answers the phone with the same poise and smile as she does when greeting folks stopping in.

“I just really like my job,” she said. “I get to know a lot of different people in the community and that’s why I like working here so much.”

Lucinda Clark, vice president of the chamber’s executive board, said the new collaboration makes the chamber’s celebration of 100 years this year that much better.

“This is just more excitement to share,” she said. “It’s all around just a very positive move.”

Share on Facebook   · Share on Twitter