BY PHIL CUSTODIO
Clarkston News Editor
Joining the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce is a good move, but it’s just the first step, said Carrie Wheeler, starting her one-year term as chamber president.
“Member engagement is key,” said Wheeler, 47, manager of specialty services at the McLaren Clarkston campus on Sashabaw Road. “Throughout the year, we host several business-to-business events, as well as business-to-community events. They’re really going to help your business develop and grow. It happened to me through the chamber, so I know the chamber will help other businesses, too.”
McLaren Clarkston opened in 2009, and chamber membership and networking events helped them become established in the community, she said.
“As a board member and now president, the chamber has allowed me to get more involved,” she said. “The chamber continues to connect me with new resources, and as president, I want to ensure existing members as well as new members know they have a support system with the chamber, just like I continue to have.”
Goals for 2020 include focusing on membership growth, retention, engagement, sponsor recognition, and advertising for business-to-community events.
“Last year, we moved to a new software platform at the chamber. It helps us gather relevant data on our members and also integrates with our website, and our directory helps us keep our events up to date,” she said. “We’re looking at feedback from our current members attending business to community events to make sure the value is there for them, and we’re revitalizing them or reinventing them as needed.”
Wheeler was also awarded the President’s Award this past November in recognition of her chamber spirit, and contribution of time, talent, and leadership.
“It was an honor to accept that award,” she said. “I just love the networking and I wanted to be more involved, learn, and give back to the community.”
Networking events include breakfast and lunch meetings with speakers and activities.
“What they do, typically, is pair you up or put you in a group. There’ll be fun little activities or things you have to do, teaching everybody in the circle a little bit about you and your business, and what you can give back to the community. It’s sharing business cards, learning about the resources we may not even know we have,” she said. “If you meet somebody and have their card, you can put that face to the name and say, ‘oh yeah, I remember them, and they did this.’ Whether it’s for you or a neighbor or somebody you met at the park, you’re continually networking for that person, as well as yourself.”
She has been a member of the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce for 11 years and a member of its board since 2016.
“I just want to thank all of our current members, and I welcome any new members,” she said. “If you’re not currently a member, I welcome you to step into the office, follow us on social media, and learn more about what the chamber can offer you. It is an amazing support system we have for current and new members. I also want to thank all of our ambassadors, Board of Directors, and the staff at the chamber, and I’m really excited and honored to be the 2020 president.”
Wheeler grew up in Chesaning and earned her degree in radiology from Ferris State University before moving to the Clarkston area in 1995 with her family – husband, Brent, daughter Isabella, and grown stepchildren, Adam, Amanda, and Susan.
“A passion for patient care, that is why I got into the healthcare field,” she said.
For more information, call 248-625-8055 or check Clarkston.org.