Executive Director, Tina Schwantes and Board President, Matt Richmond join TM Rotary on 10/3
The Mequon Thiensville Chamber of Commerce has been serving thriving business community since 1980. It was founded in 1980 with the “purpose of advancing commercial, industrial, agricultural educational and civic interests of this community and area.” The organization started with 30 members and now has more than 460. The by-laws were adopted and elections took place at the first chamber meeting held on September 23, 1980 at the North Shore Country Club. Bill Reinhardt was named the Executive Vice President. Mr. Reinhardt was the chief administrative and executive officer and served on the Chamber Executive Committee. The Chamber office was housed in Bill Reinhardt’s home until his retirement in 1993. Other chamber office locations were 11512 N. Port Washington Road Mequon from 1993 – 1998; 250 S. Main Street, Thiensville from 1998 to 2012 and 6331 W. Mequon Road from July of 2012 until present.
Tina Schwantes has served as the Chamber's Executive Director for 8 years. She has overseen incredible growth and robust activity during her tenure. The pinnacle accomplishment during her tenure is the growth of the Chamber to over 460 members, making it the 8th largest Chamber in Southeastern Wisconsin. There are 267 chambers in the State.
Tina shared with the Rotary Group that the chamber can be viewed as a resource to the community with four value components outlined in the acronym P.A.C.E. The Chamber Promotes, Advocates, Connects and Educates. Among the many benefits available to members are the ability to utilize the Chamber's website to promote your business through Hot Deals, Job Postings and Events. The Chamber also includes complimentary announcements in the newsletter that is broadcast to all members. The Chamber actively participates in Ribbon Cuttings to welcome new businesses to the community and connects businesses to one another through various networking events and opportunities.
Schwantes is passionate about the Chamber's commitment to small business. She shared a time when the Chamber was made aware of a sign ordinance that negatively impacted business visibility. The Chamber advocated for the small business community by serving an active role in conversations with the City and the sign ordinance was ultimately changed to benefit small business owners in the area.
The Chamber serves as a guide for tourism as well. By many, the Chamber is considered a one-stop resource. John McGivern will be airing a televised profile on the area and has reached out to the Chamber to serve as a guide for the community profile. The airing of that profile will be screened at an event on March 22nd.
Matt Richmond was recently appointed as President of the Mequon-Thiensville Chamber. When discussing the significance of the Chamber and similar organizations, one thought came to mind, "If you're going to get involved, you have to get engaged." Richmond explained the many different ways to become engaged with the Chamber, from monthly luncheons where members come together to network, to the annual golf outing and annual award dinner.
Richmond explained that the Chamber has a volunteer board. A major difference between the MT Chamber and other similar organizations is that other Chambers receive funding from hotel tax revenue. The MT Chamber does not. As the Chamber's main sources of revenues are from membership dues and fundraisers, the involvement of the business community becomes vital to the viability of the Chamber. The success of the Chamber is a true testament to the leadership team of Tina Schwantes and the Board, along with the engagement of the thriving business community.
Richmond was clear on the state of the Chamber and the objectives for the coming year: "We have achieved excellence and maintaining excellence is key. We will be investing in infrastructure within the organization to support the growth in the business community."
Rotarians are considered Chamber members and have full membership access to events and directories. All are encouraged to attend any and all events of interest.