Bay Area Ambassadors 2012 at State Theatre
Photo Courtesy of Jesse Pero
Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors
The Green Coats in Action
December 28, 2012
By: Diane Szczepanski
Ask Mike Seward, Executive Director of the
Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, about the Ambassadors and he will tell you, "They are the heart and soul of the Chamber."
The Chamber is a membership organization bringing businesses and the community together for economic growth for the area. "We [Chamber] depend on member volunteers to provide leadership for and implementation of Chamber programs and activities." said Seward.
This active group of volunteers, also known informally as the 'Green Coats', is the "communication link between our members and their Bay Area Chamber of Commerce." according to Jesse Pero, Director of Sales & Marketing.
Representing their own businesses and organizations in the community, the Ambassadors serve as the 'face' of the Chamber, as well as function as the official welcoming committee for those within the Chamber organization.
Pero explains, "All of them volunteer their time with us through different events and programs such as the Eye Opener Breakfast, Business After Hours, the Annual Golf Outing, the Energize Bay Area Young Professionals Network, Ribbon Cuttings and so much more."
The Ambassadors are an integral and important link in the Chamber organization. Pero remarked, "We couldn't ask for better people to serve on the Ambassadors Club."
She went on to add, in a very heartfelt way, "They really mean a lot to me, for all that they do for the Chamber AND for me."
The current roster of Ambassadors are:
Dennis Beson-New Edge Training,
Ed Clements-Bay City Public Schools,
Mark Delestowicz-Independent Bank,
Pam DeSham-Wade Trim,
Jean Ann DeShano-Re/Max Results,
Meri Sue Engers-Meadowbrook Insurance,
Amy Ford-Team One Credit Union,
Sue Goddard-Do-All, Inc.,
Joe Grew-McLaren Bay Region,
Andrea Hales-Wildfire Credit Union,
Bruce Humphrey-Tru-Klean Carpet & Upholstery,
John Jatczak-Chemical Bank,
Trevor Keyes-Bay Future, Inc.,
Stephanie Kolomak-Citizens Bank,
Tim Laboda-Laboda's Shoes & Accessories,
Norma Matthew-Choice Office Products,
Sandy Peariso-Hammer Restoration,
Sue Pike-Monitor Township DDA,
Patsy Powell-New Dimensions,
Kim Rokosz-PNC Bank,
Alesia Shuman-Weinlander Fitzhugh,
Tara Wieland-United Way of Bay County,
Chris Yaklin-Bay Area Community Foundation, and
Lynne Zanotti of FinancialEdge Community Credit Union.
For more information on joining the Chamber or becoming an Ambassador, please contact Jesse Pero at (989) 893-4567.