2023 Connections

After exploring a few different disciplines, ERIKA let her love of math and science lead her to industrial and systems engineering. Now she’s a manufacturing engineer at General Motors, using her diverse skill set to improve systems across the engineering spectrum.

At Oakland University, we’re preparing the next generation of innovators.

oakland.edu

Directors

Get to know us!

RRC Board Members

The Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1955, is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization, with a membership base of businesses ranging from sole proprietors to nationally recognized corporations.

Executive Board

• Chair: Lauren Royston, Consumer’s Energy

• Vice Chair: Tim Crawford, The Crawford Insurance Group

• Treasurer: Pamela Valentik, City of Rochester Hills

• Secretary: Angela DelPup, Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital

• Past Chair: Vince Mattina, Mattina, Kent & Gibbons P.C.

• Colleen Burtka, Older Persons’ Commission

• Tom Dluzen, Chief Financial Credit Union

• John Gaber, Williams, Williams, Rattner & Plunkett P.C.

• Greg Johnson, 7 South Technology Consulting INC.

• Julie Lobaza, Rochester Wealth Strategies

• Sean Rewold, Frank Rewold & Sons

• Ravinder Saini, Tim Hortons Cafe & Bake Shop

• Lisa Swiftney, Stoney Creek Living & Shelby Neighbors

• Mike Westfall, Oakland University

• Ashley Würm, PAR Pharmaceutical

Rochester Regional Chamber Foundation

The RRC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established to provide leadership and resources to advance development through: Leadership/ Workforce Training, Educational Programming, and Community Involvement.

Directors

• Chair: Linda Davis-Kirksey, Davis-Kirksey Associates

• Vice Chair: Ashley Würm, PAR Pharmaceutical

• Treasurer: Vince Mattina, Mattina Kent & Gibbons P.C.

• Secretary: John Gaber, Williams, Williams, Rattner & Plunkett P.C.

• Judge Lisa Asadoorian, 52-3 District Court

• Dr. Remy Bruder, Rochester University

• Greg Johnson, 7 South Technology Consulting INC.

Start Your Growth Journey with the

Invest in Your Business

Our Chamber is dedicated to providing programs and services that enhance business potential and economic growth. Owners, managers and their representatives can promote their businesses through community outreach, business connections and networking opportunities through the Chamber.

Ribbon Cuttings

Ribbon Cutting Packages are a great way to celebrate your business milestone. Whether you’re a start-up or established business honoring an anniversary, this celebration will bring out the community and help you shine!

Custom Sponsorships

Meet one-on-one to share your marketing needs and design a custom business sponsorship that you will love! Positively impact your brand recognition through visibility in our community! Book a meeting with President Maggie Bobitz to get started.

Check out additional Chamber marketing opportunities such as website banners or social media posts at rrc-mi.com/marketing-opportunities/

Learn & Grow

Member Orientation 101

Begin your Chamber journey with this introductory class that helps you discover benefits and programs to utilize, sponsored by Erika Sklar of Benebiz Plus. Network with other new members and find resources to help launch your business to the next level!

Member Orientation 201

Market your business digitally by setting up your member profile, completing your enhanced landing page, learning tools, and connecting with other members members in this interactive workshop!

New Member Connect

Sponsored by Flagstar Bank & Bellbrook, this is an opportunity to meet your Chamber team, learn about programs, events and more! Plus, you have the chance to network with other new members, while enjoying mentoring from our Ambassadors, who want you to get the most out of your membership.

Chamber Smart Series

This is an opportunity to learn how to boost your business with select topics from local industry experts and network over lunch!

Networking Groups*

RRC Ambassadors

Ambassadors represent the Chamber at community events, assist with recruiting, and mentor new members. Ambassadors receive increased networking opportunities and other exclusive benefits. Thank you to these vital volunteer leaders sponsored by Bellbrook!

Preferred Client Networking (PCN) Groups

Each group contains 15 - 25 members that gather bi-weekly to discuss and pass qualified referrals and leads. These are industry exclusive groups focused on building quality connections!

Peer Solution Groups (PSG)

PSG’s focus on providing a supportive network for collaboration and education. Groups are self-driven with support from Chamber staff. Groups include: Foodpreneur, & Human Resource Professionals.

Young Professionals

The Young Professionals provide leadership development and networking opportunities for those between the ages of 21 and 40.

*All participants must be Chamber members in good standing.

Networking Events

Coffee Talk

You’re invited to network with local business professionals at Coffee Talk, sponsored by First State Bank! Bring your 2-minute “elevator speech” and a stack of business cards, then get ready for early morning speed networking over coffee!

Bonus Tip: Ambassadors wear a red name badge to every Chamber event, so be sure to connect with one of our Ambassadors and schedule a one-on-one meeting!

Biz + Brews Networking

Join our informal evening networking. Stop by to enjoy a refreshing beverage and connect with other Chamber members! Sponsored by 7 South Technology Consulting and Home & Commercial Services Lawn & Landscape!

PCN Connect

Sponsored by Chief Financial Credit Union, this is an opportunity for every PCN member to network beyond their group, and connect with all of the Chamber’s Preferred Client Networks.

Signature Events

Community Outlook - Features updates from leaders of Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township, and Rochester Community Schools with breakfast and networking. Thanks to Presenting Sponsors Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital, First State Bank, & Moceri Companies.

Golf Tournament Fundraiser - Come out for fun networking and golf! This is the Chamber’s only annual fundraising event and proceeds support Chamber programs. Thanks to Presenting Sponsor Moceri Companies.

Women Leaders in BusinessSurround yourself with driven and successful women business leaders. Enjoy lunch and hear from inspiring female innovators in our community. Thanks to Presenting Sponsors Corewell Health & First State Bank.

Sunrise Pinnacle Awards - An opportunity for our communities to honor the accomplishments and contributions of our region’s most visionary leaders, entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, and businesses. Thanks to Presenting Sponsor PNC Bank.

Your Member Benefits

• Online Business Directory with an Enhanced Landing Page

• Conference Room Use with Hybrid Meeting Technology

• The Owl Pro sponsored by Chief Financial Credit Union

• RRC Pulse - Chamber & Community eNews

• Share Your Press Releases & Community Events through the Member Information Center (MIC)

• RRC Foundation Forecast - Non Profit eNews

• Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies with Local Dignitaries

• Notary Services

• Member Referral Program

• Relocation & Welcome Bags

• Over 100+ Networking Events

• Networking Groups

• Business Resources

• Signature Event Discounts

• Lobby Display Space

• Supportive Network of Business Professionals

• Mentoring with the Ambassador Network

• Volunteer Opportunities

• Professional Development & Leadership Opportunities

Leadership & Workforce Development

The Leadership Greater Rochester and Youth Leadership programs prepare individuals to build a broad network and become community leaders, generously sponsored by PAR Pharmaceutical.

Education Opportunities

Another tool the Foundation provides is the Foundation Forecast eNewsletter, sponsored by Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital. This is a bi-monthly publication featuring non-profit news and events in our community! Our non-profit members can upload their information for free!

Or utilize our DipJar, a portable credit card donation system, sponsored by Chief Financial Credit Union, at your next fundraising event!

The Rochester Regional Chamber (RRC) Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization established to provide leadership and resources to advance development.

A Community Parade

Local Traditions

The RRC Foundation hosts many beloved local holiday traditions for our communities.

• The Grand Marshal Gala, is annually held the Thursday prior to the parade where Grand Marshal(s) and Parade Sponsors are honored each year! This celebration recognizes a Grand Marshal chosen for their generosity to enhance our community. The honoree(s) gets to lead the parade down Main Street.

• The Annual Rochester Area Hometown Christmas Parade, is a beloved tradition. It is held annually on the first Sunday in December to kick-off the Holiday Season!

Supporting Our Community

What does the Chamber do for our communities?

The Chamber holds a wealth of information about our community, especially our business community! See the list below of free services we provide to our residents.

• Welcome Bags - Pick up at the office

• Free Maps - Pick up at the office

• Online Community Calendar

• Online Job Board Listing

• Hot Deals from local businesses

• Online Business Directory - Search for vendors and more

• Call the office to inquire about our Member Referrals

• RRC Pulse - Free eBlast full of business and community news

• Foundation Forecast - Free eBlast featuring non-profit news and events

• Public Facebook Group: Supporting Local Businesses of the Rochester Regional Chamber

• Community Parade - The Rochester Area Hometown Christmas Parade hosted by the RRC Foundation

Next Steps

1. Invest in Your Growth

O Become a new Member!

O Attend Member Orientation 101

O Attend Member Orientation 201

O Attend New Member Connect (held twice a year)

2. Get Connected

O Follow RRC on Social Media

O Stop in the office to greet Chamber Staff

O Meet one-on-one with a Chamber Ambassador

3. Attend an Event

O Attend an upcoming networking event

O Welcome a new business at a Ribbon Cutting

4. Join a Group or Committee

O Visit a PCN Group and attend PCN Connect

O View upcoming PSG Meetings

O Volunteer for a committee like the Legislative Affairs, Golf Tournament, or Christmas Parade

Our mission is to:

Provide leadership and resources in order to advance business development in partnership with civic, cultural and educational interests for the benefit of its members and the community.

Special thanks to our Chamber Partners