Bob Hendrickson, IOHT

There is a saying in the chamber of commerce world, “If you’ve seen one chamber, you’ve seen one chamber.”

Meaning each chamber of commerce has similar attributes but each one serves their communities in different capacities depending on what the needs of those communities are.

So, what does a chamber of commerce do? I can’t say what every chamber does, but the GINCC champions the West End of Marquette County to support local businesses, build stronger communities and promote the area as a great place to experience.

We are a non-profit organization under a 501(c)6 designation. That means we get our revenue from membership dues and activities that support our mission. Membership is the key to any chamber’s success. Without members a chamber doesn’t exist.

The GINCC supports its members through communication, networking and assistance.

Communication may be tailored for a specific member or may be broader and more general. Our weekly eblast on Wednesdays showcases many of those individual member, along with events and happenings that help build community.

Content in the eblast is solicited from our membership. We encourage our members to contribute. We then send that to a contact list that includes around 1300 community members who requested it. If you are a GINCC member and would like to include something, or a community member who would like to receive the eblast, send a request to ginccmarketing@gmail.com.

Other communication outlets included our media partners in television, radio and newspaper. Weekly and monthly interviews help us spread the word on what is happening on the West End of Marquette County.

Networking opportunities occur at Business After Hours and other GINCC events. Now that we’re firmly re-established in the realm of events, we invite our membership to join us to meet the community face to face. We have two Business After Hours coming up with Nicolet Bank in Ishpeming on May 10 and the Home Builders Association on May 23 at River Rock Lanes & Banquet Center in Ishpeming. Our first big event in 2023 is the GINCC Children’s Summer Carnival to be held June 14 from 5:30-7:30pm at River Rock. Later in the summer we will be involved with several other community events, some GINCC driven and others not. We are a resource for all our members to learn more about events and how to get involved.

The GINCC assists our membership through a strategic partnership with the Small Business Association of Michigan. SBAM offers an array of business programs. We also have good relations with the Michigan Small Business Development Center who operates out of several locations in the U.P. The SBDC provides great business development programs to help businesses grow.

In addition, we have strong relationships with several of the economic development organizations in Marquette County.

To learn more about the GINCC, visit www.gincc.org or give us a call 906-486-1111. Our hours are 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday. The office is located at 910 U.S. Hwy 41 West. Please call ahead as we are out of office from time to time.

EDITORS NOTE: Bob Hendrickson is the executive director of the GINCC. He currently resides in Negaunee with his wife, Laura, and daughter, Sierra. He enjoys mountain biking, skiing, fishing and hunting along with family time.