GBACOC Chamber Connection

From the desk of Karen Storey

www.brightoncoc.org

Press Release from the GBACOC Board of Directors

June 26, 2025

Dear Chamber Members,

We’re writing to share a leadership update at the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce.

Gavin Johnson, our President and CEO, has made the heartfelt decision to return to his roots in education. He has accepted a position as a high school principal, an opportunity that reflects his deep commitment to supporting youth and brings him closer to family in Marquette, Michigan. We are incredibly thankful for Gavin’s leadership and the impact he’s made on our Chamber and community. We wish him every success in this next chapter.

Effective immediately, Karen Storey has been appointed Interim President. Karen brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to our mission, and she will continue to lead with the energy, vision, and dedication that our members have come to rely on.

To ensure a smooth transition, Rob Johnson, CEO of Wayne Media and a longtime Chamber supporter, will serve in a consultative role. Rob’s history with the Chamber includes four years of service on the Board of Directors, most recently as Board Chair. His insight and leadership will help maintain our forward momentum.

With Rob transitioning off the board, Jimmie Plaskey will assume the role of Board Chair. Jimmie's been on the Board of Directors for six years and the Executive Board for the last three. He brings a wealth of financial expertise and a collaborative leadership style that will strengthen our efforts and help carry our mission forward.

The Chamber remains strong, focused, and unwavering in our commitment to supporting our members and the local business community.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Click on the button below for a personal video message from Gavin and Karen.

Click Here for Podcast from Gavin & Karen

Major & Strategic Business Sponsors

These businesses, leaders, and teams are cornerstones of the Chamber and their communities. Through diverse partnerships and unwavering support, each has committed $10,000 or more to help strengthen our mission.

Annual Business Sponsors

These sponsors collaborate with the Chamber and their communities in a variety of impactful ways. Some provide contractual services, while others have generously committed $5,000 or more in support.

Monthly Membership News

New Members April - June

A warm WELCOME to our new members who joined between April and June! We’re excited to grow together and look forward to supporting your business as it thrives in our community.

Learn More Here

Member Renewals

Thank you to our returning members from April through June. We deeply appreciate your continued trust, the partnership we've built together, and your ongoing commitment to our community.

Learn More Here

Business Resources & Member Perks

SCORE

SBDC of Southeast Michigan

GBACOC Hot Deals

GBACOC Member to Member Deals

Ribbon Cuttings - Mark your Calendar

A Chamber Ribbon Cutting is a great way to market and advertise your business. Kick-off a grand opening or celebrate opening a new addition or reaching a milestone with a ribbon cutting. It offers a unique opportunity to meet key leaders and fellow members of your community.

We’ll bring the red ribbon, the giant scissors, add your event to our calendar, promote it through our chamber communications and share it on social media.

Learning Series

Each workshop will be from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce building, 218 Grand River, Brighton. Attend one, two or all four learning workshops!

We look forward to learning with you.

Join us for a powerful monthly workshop series led by Cleary University faculty and top industry experts. Designed for business owners, leadership teams, and employees, these dynamic sessions offer practical tools and hands-on learning to help tackle real-world challenges and drive business success.

Greater Livingston County Chamber Alliance Leadership Livingston

Leadership Livingston is an annual leadership development experience that runs from October through May, focused on cultivating civic-minded leaders throughout the Greater Livingston region. The program equips participants with a deeper understanding of the institutions, sectors, and systems that shape the community’s quality of life. Through a broad range of leadership topics, participants enhance both their personal and professional skills. The program delivers lasting value not only to the individuals involved, but also to their employers and the broader community.

👉 Want to be in next year’s graduating class? Leadership Livingston is now accepting applications for the 2025–2026 cohort, starting this October. This program is for professionals who want to grow their leadership skills, expand their network, and make a real impact in Livingston County. Apply by August 29, 2025 to be considered.

Apply Here

Marketing Mash-Up

Join us July 16, 2025 for our Marketing Mash Up "All Things Google."

218 E. Grand River, 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Interested in Being a Speaker

Women's Business Network of Michigan

Pause

Reconnect

Realign

In honor of National Women’s Health & Wellness Day, join us for a refreshing half-day experience designed for women leaders and professionals to pause, reconnect, and realign.

Women on the Rise Rooftop Connect

Partnering with Fountian of Youth Skin Renewal Centre to host a wonderful event.

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan continues its commitment to ensuring the health and wellness of our Michigan residents by emphasizing the importance of preventive care and early detection screenings for cancer during National Cancer Survivors Month this June.

2025 Cancer Prevention Toolkit LINK

Chamber Events

There is still time to register for each of these events. If you would like to partner with the Chamber at any of these amazing events there are sponsorhips available.

Be a marketing “master” and promote your business at the Lyon Area Chamber Cup on July 23 at Cattails Golf Course. Network and make business connections as a golfer or sponsor. Golf is only $150/person, $575 for a foursome, or $700/for a foursome with hole sponsorship for chamber members and includes breakfast snacks, lunch and dinner during the awards program. For more information, email michellet@brightoncoc.org

Bank of Ann Arbor & GBACOC Presents

The Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce is turning up the volume with two days of live music, award-winning BBQ, mac & cheese, vendors, and community fun and we want YOU to be part of it!

As a sponsor, your business will be showcased in front of thousands of festival-goers, music fans, and families. Get your name on banners, stage signage, social media, and more!

The second Food Truck Friday is quickly approaching on July 18. Our first one was a “grate” success, and several of our food trucks sold out. Also on the menu - business booths, family entertainment and our headliner band from 5 to 8 pm - Local Heroes. What to showcase your business as a sponsor? Contact michellet@brightoncoc.org

Major & Annual Sponsor Spotlight

Brighton Country Boots & Beats

We are proud to shine this week’s Member Spotlight on Lake Trust Credit Union, our Trailblazer Sponsor for the 2025 Country Boots & Beats Festival!

Lake Trust continues to be a powerhouse supporter of the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce and our local business community. As our presenting sponsor, they helped make this year’s event the biggest and boldest yet bringing together families, businesses, music lovers, and community members for a day full of fun, connection, and celebration in the heart of downtown Brighton.

💙 Their generous support fuels more than just events it uplifts small businesses, supports economic development, and brings our community together in meaningful ways.

Please join us in thanking Lake Trust Credit Union for being a true trailblazer in every sense of the word!

Pictures & Videos Here

Chamber Happenings

Shredding Day

Thank you to Key Bank for leading this event for the community. We received tons of great feedback and the weather held out for us to make this a success.

National Doughnut Day

Nothing beats a free donut and coffee. Thank you Hot Diggity Donuts and Lee Rd. McDonalds for partnering with the GBACOC to provide a free event for the community.