About Us
Barry County Chamber & Economic Development Alliance
Affordable, Quality Living in a Desirable Marketplace.
The Barry County Chamber and Economic Development Alliance merged effective January 01, 2021. The restructuring allowed us to create one Governance Board and two Advisory Boards to streamline our efforts in all areas. We are now better positioned to leverage our assets to better align them with community needs, tackle more issues simultaneously, increase engagement throughout Barry County, and alleviate redundancy between the two organizations. The benefits to our members increased dramatically with this merger, in most cases, doubling them. If you would like more information about our organization, please reach out to any one of our staff or Board members.
Civility Statement
The Barry County Chamber and EDA is committed to encouraging, creating, and sustaining an environment that honors the inherent dignity of every member of our community and our visitors. Respectful behavior should always be the norm in all forms of communication in all situations.
Diversity Statement
We are committed to creating a culture where everyone is free to be their authentic self.
Mission Statement
Advance business. Facilitate solutions. Strengthen communities.
Vision
To promote economic prosperity through business attraction, retention, and expansion.
Legislative Priorities
Our Office
221 W State St, Hastings, MI 49058
Staff
Jennifer Heinzman | President / CEO
Jennifer Heinzman has been working as a Chamber of Commerce Executive Director since 2006. She served in both Clare and Mecosta County before beginning in Barry County in February of 2020. Jennifer has spent much of her career working on economic and community development issues such as broadband access, affordable, quality childcare solutions, literacy, workforce development, business advancement, and entrepreneurship.
Jennifer graduated from Central Michigan University with a master’s degree in Public Administration. She double majored in Psychology and Sociology to earn her Bachelor’s Degree.
When not at work, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family and friends, painting, reading, gardening, and attending community events.
Kim Martin | Business Manager
Kim is the Business Manager for the Chamber of Commerce and EDA. Kim comes to us with over 20 years of various accounting and customer service experience. Kim has been at the Chamber and EDA since 2013, along with doing the bookkeeping. Kim is the staff lead for the Chamber Open Golf outing, Gus Macker, and the Administrative Professionals Appreciation Luncheon. Kim is in her 30th year of coaching Competitive Cheer at Lakewood High School where she has won 11 Conference titles in a row and took her team to the State Finals 5 out of the last 7 years. Her interests include spending time with her husband Marty, her 2 children Nicholas and Nadia, coaching and scrapbooking.
Aleshia Blauvelt | Marketing Coordinator
Aleshia serves as the Marketing Coordinator for the Barry County Chamber and EDA. In 2016, Aleshia earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Grand Valley State University. Soon after graduating she developed a passion for videography which is what led her to us. Aleshia handles all of the marketing and social media management for the Chamber/EDA as well as filming and creating videos that highlight the events the Chamber puts on throughout the year. Outside of filming Chamber & EDA events, Aleshia can be found filming weddings and high school sporting events. When she is not behind the camera, she enjoys reading, yoga, binge-watching a new series on Netflix, or taking her dog, Huck, for a hike.
Nichole Lyke | Economic Development Director
Nichole Lyke is the Economic Development Coordinator for the Barry County Chamber & Economic Development Alliance. Nichole earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Davenport University in 2015. Nichole previously worked for the Chamber & EDA for nearly 7 years as the Office & Special Promotions Coordinator, before taking a position to head the Middleville Downtown Development Authority in 2019. As the Economic Development coordinator, Nichole will work closely with businesses to ensure their growth and longevity within the County, while also recruiting, supporting, and growing new businesses. A lifelong resident of Barry County, Nichole lives in Hastings with her husband Rob, and their two children, Jorden (17) and Bobby (4).
GOVERNANCE BOARD MEMBERS
David Solmes
Board Chair – Dewey’s Auto Body
Brandon Strong
Immediate Past Board Chair –
Barry County Christian School
Dave Jackson
Member-At-Large – Barry County Commissioner
EMILY GARY
Member-At-Large – West Michigan Works!
GREG MOORE
EDA Advisory Board Chair – Consumer’s Energy
Rob Ranes
Member Services Advisory Board Chair –
Highpoint Community Bank
Bob Byington
Treasurer – Depot Law Offices
CATHERINE GETTY
Member-At-Large – Blue Zones Activate
Dave Hatfield
Member-At-Large – Consultant
Linda Maupin
Member-At-Large – Family Support Center
JAMIE SMITH
Member-At-Large – Lake trust Credit Union
Michael Brown
Ex-Officio – Barry County Administrator
MEMBER SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
Rob Ranes - Chair
Highpoint Community Bank
Lyn Briel
Thornapple Manor – Retired
Deb Button
Hodges Jewelry & Gifts
KORIN AYERS
Farmer’s Insurance Group – Korin Ayers
Fred Jacobs
J-Ad Graphics
Ashly Goldsworthy
Goldsworthy Marathon
Carl Schoessel
Walldorff Brewpub & Bistro
STACY SHILZ
greenridge Realty – Hastings
Deb Hatfield
Walker, Fluke, and Sheldon
SARA LIEN EDELMAN
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute
Pat Doezema
Greenridge Realty – Hastings
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
GREG MOORE - CHAIR
Consumer’s Energy
Jacob Maas
West Michigan Works!
Dan King
City of Hastings
Fred Jacobs
J-Ad Graphics
Chelsey Foster
Highpoint Community Bank
Bernie Jore
Spectrum Health – Pennock
CRAIG STOLSONBURG
Village of Middleville
Dave Jackson
Barry County Commissioner
Michael Brown
Barry County Administrator
Jim McManus
Barry County Planning and Zoning
Ryan Clegg
Bradford White
Dave Hatfield
Consultant
David Solmes
Dewey’s Auto Body
Mike Myers
Triangle