Impact with the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce

What makes Chamber travel more than just a vacation? In this episode of Impact: The Chamber Podcast, we sit down with Pam Broering of Cruise Adventures and Chamber traveler Rick Funk while filming on location in Greece during our 2026 Chamber Trip. We discuss the value of Chamber travel, the lasting relationships formed throughout the journey, and how experiences like these help strengthen both pe...

What goes into running a successful country club and how do you continue evolving while still creating a welcoming experience for members and guests? In this episode of Impact: The Chamber Podcast, we sit down with the golf pro, Blair Shadday and general manager, Bart Wolfe of Forest Hills Country Club to talk about the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the club running smoothly and the role it pl...

How do partnerships between education and local businesses create real opportunities for students—and what does that impact look like in action? In this episode of Impact: The Chamber Podcast, we sit down with Isabella Markward, a junior at Northeastern High School, and Katie Alyea, Regional Marketing Manager at 3Rivers Federal Credit Union and Chamber board member, to talk about the Student Futur...

What does a more modern approach to local business support look like and how is the Chamber evolving to meet those needs? In this episode of Impact: The Chamber Podcast, we sit down with Alyssa Roberts, Director of Membership and Education, along with Becca Vance from Cope Environmental Center to talk about the Chamber’s newly updated Wayne County Cash gift card program and what it means for both...

What does the future of the Chamber look like and how will it impact members in 2026? In this episode of Impact: The Chamber Podcast, we sit down with Board Chair AJ Sickmann and Eric and Brad VanVleet to discuss the vision and strategic priorities shaping the year ahead, along with a new health insurance plan offered exclusively for Chamber members. From leadership planning to practical member be...

What makes the Chamber’s Annual Dinner such a meaningful night for Wayne County? In Annual Impact, an episode of Impact: The Chamber Podcast, we sit down with past award winner and Chamber board member Jordan Mathews and ACEs Committee Chair Teresa Jansing to talk about the purpose and impact behind the Chamber’s signature event. From celebrating leadership and community success to bringing togeth...

What happens when emerging leaders and experienced mentors come together? In Episode 3 of Impact: The Chamber Podcast, we sit down with Lisa Dollar and Chelse Leonard to talk about two of the Chamber’s leadership-focused programs, HYPE and WC Leads, from both sides of the experience. From navigating life as a young professional to guiding and mentoring the next generation of leaders, this conversa...

Welcome back to The IMPACT Podcast!  In Episode 2, we sit down with Alfredo Diamond, Chair of our IMPACT Committee, and Susanna Tanner, owner of Susanna Tanner Photography — one of our amazing small business members. In this episode, Susanna shares the story of how she got started in photography, what inspires her work, and the ways she goes above and beyond for her clients. Alfredo jumps in to ta...

What happens when leadership and innovation come together? In this first episode of Impact: The Chamber Podcast, Melissa Vance talks with Dennis Alejo of Instant Web Tools and Tony Foster, Chamber Board Chair, about how digital tools, community involvement, and the Chamber’s network create powerful opportunities for local businesses. Tune in to hear their stories, insights, and how partnership fue...