Bob Hendrickson, IOHT

It’s been a good run. One of those jobs that I could still do for quite a bit longer, but not sure how much different I would do it.

For the past four years and nine months I have met hundreds of people along with dozens of businesses and organizations. I have been in awe of the resourcefulness and tenacity the business culture on the West End of Marquette County has. It feels like a decade since getting up to speed here, then pivoting the entire operation during the pandemic.

Now, post-pandemic, things are seeming to get back to some normalcy. We still have challenges like inventory supply issues and labor shortages, but I imaging over the next few years those too will settle in.

At the end of my tenure here at the GINCC, I have come to believe that a chamber of commerce reflects its community in a positive light. The membership engaging with the community and vise-versa. The chamber provides a way to connect the dots between them.

It’s been an epic experience and I am honored to be a part of. With a whirlwind of emotions over the past 6 weeks, things are falling into place. I have pretty much put my heart and soul into the GINCC and wish the organization continued success.

I feel the executive board of directors made a good choice for my predecessor, Samantha “Sam” LaJeunesse. She is a fireball of energy and will bring fresh ideas to the table which will only benefit the GINCC and membership.

She was on staff last fall and into the winter here and is a familiar face. Even if you have not met her, she is one of those people you feel you have met before. It was great having her here for last year’s annual dinner and the Small Shopper Sam “buy local” campaign was a huge hit during the holidays.

In addition, our new marketing & event coordinator, Ty Koski, is quickly getting up to speed and I feel there is a strong team in place to keep the GINCC moving forward. Since July is a bit of a down month for the chamber, watch for big things to come late summer.

When I move on to my new position with the Iron Ore Heritage Recreation Authority as trail administrator for the Iron Ore Heritage Trail, I will be bringing a lot of my experience of community building with me.

I look forward to following what the GINCC does in the future and feel the future is bright for the West End of 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 outgoing executive director of the GINCC. He currently resides in Negaunee with his wife, Laura, where they raised their daughter, Sierra. He enjoys mountain biking, skiing, fishing and hunting along with family time.