Adrian Area Chamber of Commerce - Anne Hughes

Posted by Chuck Chase 
on May 16, 2013
 

 Anne Hughes, Executive Director of the Adrian Area Chamber of Commerce brought along intern, Josh, who was ready to give candy to those who knew the answers to a number of questions she posed to members present. Among the interesting facts she shared were:

  • The organization was founded in 2002. Starting it was a "leap of faith"'.
  • The Chamber members total 471.
  • The most difficult of professions to pursue for membership are dentists, physicians and attorneys.
  • They have a staff of 6 people who are all part time with Anne being a fulltime employee. Everyone of them started as volunteers.
  • "Interns" are employed throughout the year from local colleges and universities.
  • The Chamber has been in 3 different locations since starting in business. They are now at 137 N. Main street with Citizens Gas Fuel Company their neighbor to the south.
  • Immediate past chairman is our own Mike Olsaver.
  • The Chamber's tag theme for their marketing campaign is "A living, breathing, social network that enables members to create personal and professional relationships".
  • The first questions prospects ask is: "What's in it for me?"
  • A basic membership costs $240 but gives members $2,300 in total value!
  • I believe Anne said that our own Frank Dick is the longest serving member of the Adrian Area Chamber!!
  • The Chamber's website address is: www.adrianareachamber.com
  • Chamber programs include: Adrian in the AM, Annual Meeting, Awards Breakfast, Annual Fundraiser, Operation Thank You
  • Londa Pickles from Gurdjian & Associates, Inc. is currently their board president. Other board members include:  

    Art Doner, Vice-Chair (United Bank & Trust), Dawn Bales, Treasurer (First Federal Bank), Pam VanDoren, Secretary (Friend of the Chamber), Mike Olsaver,  Past Chair (Robison,Curphey & O’Connell, LLC), Ruth Cole (Kemner-Iott Agency, Inc.), Janet Goulart (Gleaner Life Insurance Society), Ann Hughes, President & CEO, Ed Marshall (Frontier Communications), Lynne Punnett (Habitat for Humanity of Lenawee County), David Thomas (Culvers of Adrian), Josh Wagoner (Clift Buick GMC), Steve Weiner (Wheelock Pharmacy), Douglas Williams (Lowes of Adrian), Sue Wilson (Adrian Locksmith & Cyclery), and Justin Gifford (South Central Michigan Works).