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
Copyright Infringment / Terms and Conditions
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, legislative advocacy, 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, cheering on her son’s sports teams, 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).
Emily Quiggle | Workforce Development Coordinator
Emily is the Workforce Development Coordinator for the Barry County Chamber and EDA. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University in 2013. Emily spent eight years at Michigan Career and Technical Institute, empowering students through vocational training and personal development. In 2022, she became the Director of the Hastings Community Education and Recreation Center, furthering her commitment to education and community support. In her current role, she aims to enhance local workforce initiatives and contribute to economic growth. As a lifelong Barry County resident, Emily is dedicated to making it a wonderful place to live, work, and play. She is an active member of the Hastings Rotary Club and serves on several boards. In her free time, Emily enjoys visiting Beaver Island, attending concerts, reading, and hiking with her husband, Justin, and their dog, Sophie.
GOVERNANCE & ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
Jennifer Heinzman
President
Greg Moore
Chair
Dave Solmes
Vice-Chair
Aaron Hartman
Secretary
Bob Byington
Treasurer
Lori Courtney
At-Large
Marsha Bassett
At-Large
Deb Timmerman
At-Large
Jamie Smith
At-Large
Dave Jackson
Voting Ex-Officio
Sarah Moyer-cale
Non-Voting Ex-Officio
Dave Hatfield
Non-Voting Ex-Officio
Eric zuzga
Non-Voting Ex-Officio
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
Chelsey Foster
Chair – Highpoint Community Bank
Greg Moore
Consumers Energy
Dan King
City of Hastings
Jacob Maas
West Michigan Works!
Dave Hatfield
Consultant
Jeff Keesler
Barry County Planning & Zoning
Dave Solmes
Dewey’s Auto Body
Christa Wetzel
Barry County Community Mental Health Authority
Marcus Martin
Laketrust Credit Union
Craig Stolsonburg
Village of Middleville
Dave Jackson
Barry County Commissioner
Eric Zuzga
Barry County Administrator
Brian Gruber
Bradford White
Bernie Jore
Corewell Health – Pennock
Chris Stafford
Community Member Extraordinaire
Mike Myers
Triangle Associates
Jennifer Forell
Flexfab
Matt Dunham
Dunham Services
Barry Business Boosters Board Members
Rob Ranes
Chair – Highpoint Community Bank
Korin Ayers
Ayers Agency – Farmers Insurance
Patricia Doezema
Patricia Doezema at Keller Williams
Deb Hatfield
Rehmann
Sara Lien Edelman
Lien Public Relations
Ann Ulberg
Highpoint Community Bank
Shannon Maier
Union Bank
Lyn Briel
Retired
Amanda Wurm
Lake Trust Credit Union
Helen Sanches-Reis
Commercial Bank
Becky Mead
Highpoint Community Bank
Stacy Schilz
Greenridge Realty Hastings
Lani Forbes
Barry County United Way & Volunteer Center