Arlene Anderson-Vincent serves as Senior Natural Resource Manager for the Midwest Region at Primo Brands, supporting Ice Mountain. In this role, she develops and maintains sustainable water-use supplies that balance environmental stewardship with social and economic needs, helping ensure healthy, resilient water sources. Her work also includes building strong relationships with communities, stakeholders, and state and local government officials across the region.

Arlene holds a dual bachelor’s degree in Geology and Environmental Science from Michigan State University and brings more than 20 years of experience working in central Michigan. Her career includes roles with environmental engineering firms across the Midwest, providing a strong technical foundation that informs her work today.

A lifelong Michigan resident, Arlene has called Mecosta County home for more than 15 years. She has served on numerous boards focused on enhancing quality of life for Michigan families, including Mid-Michigan Honor Flight, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, the Middle Michigan Economic Development Board, the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly, the Michigan Basin Geological Society, and Mecosta Revitalization. She also proudly represents Ice Mountain through its extensive community giving program, supporting initiatives that strengthen well-being throughout the region.

Arlene is motivated by the opportunity to bring her natural resources expertise to efforts that protect the environment while supporting strong local economies. She values the Chamber as a place where collaboration leads to meaningful progress for businesses, families, schools, and the broader community.

Outside of work, Arlene enjoys exploring the country and has visited 46 of the 50 states, along with two U.S. territories.

Tyler Schuberg is the fourth-generation owner of Schuberg Insurance Agency, a firm that is community-driven, policyholder-focused, and education-based. He brings extensive experience in risk management and insurance, holding the Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC) designation, which recognizes advanced expertise in the field. Tyler also draws on years of coaching youth sports and running sports clinics, emphasizing teamwork and mentorship in both his professional and personal life.

A proud resident of Big Rapids and Ferris State University alumnus, Tyler has spent more than two decades serving the community through leadership roles on boards including the Big Rapids Jaycees, Downtown Business Association, Mecosta County Chamber, St. Mary Catholic School Board, Artworks, Muskegon River Safety Committee, Knights of Columbus, and Big Rapids Elks. As a fourth-generation business owner, he has built long-lasting relationships and contributed to the growth of the local community.

Tyler is motivated by the belief that strong communities and businesses create lasting impact for future generations. He has been recognized nationally for his achievements in life insurance sales, ranking among the top 25 in the U.S. six times.

Matt Schneider is the owner of M. Schneider Electric, where he oversees scheduling, estimating, and invoicing while applying more than 18 years of electrical and management experience. His background includes leadership roles in larger corporations and military training, both of which shaped his approach to managing operations and leading teams.

A long-time Mecosta County resident, Matt graduated from Morley-Stanwood and now has children attending the same schools. He is actively involved in the community as a coach for multiple sports, a board member for Rocket Football, and a volunteer delivering meals for local nonprofits.

Matt is motivated by supporting small businesses and helping the Chamber provide resources that strengthen the local business community. Outside of work, he enjoys hunting and travels widely to explore different conservation practices around the world.

Chad Nastoff serves as Branch Manager at Horizon Bank, where he provides leadership and development for branch staff while driving sales growth and business development across deposits, loans, credit cards, and other financial products. Working in downtown Big Rapids, Chad has developed a strong understanding of the needs and challenges facing local businesses and is known as a trusted resource for customers and business owners alike.

Chad brings more than 15 years of leadership and management experience, including the past five years in banking. His professional background, combined with hands-on experience in the local market, allows him to support individuals and businesses with practical, relationship-driven financial guidance.

A resident of the Big Rapids area for eight years, Chad is deeply engaged in the community. He currently serves on the Big Rapids Development Authority and the Big Rapids Rotary Club, is active with the Downtown Business Association, and was honored as the DBA’s Volunteer of the Year in 2022. He also gives back by coaching youth sports teams and serving as a Community Mentor at Brookside Elementary.

Chad is motivated by the belief that a strong Chamber helps build a strong community. He is committed to supporting local businesses and contributing to the continued growth and success of Mecosta County.

Originally from Escanaba in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Chad is a proud and devoted Green Bay Packers fan.

Shelly Keene serves as Executive Director of Michigan Works! West Central, overseeing workforce development services across Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Newaygo, Oceana, and Osceola counties. Her team supports employers with recruitment, training, and job fairs, while helping job seekers with skills development, career resources, and employment opportunities. Shelly brings extensive experience in workforce development, including 18 years at EightCA

P Inc., and holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Child Development from Central Michigan University and an MBA in Project Management from American InterContinental University. She is also a Certified LMI Data Solutions Professional and Certified Business Solutions Professional.

Shelly is deeply connected to the region, serving on boards including the Big Rapids Regional Chamber, Lake County Economic Development Alliance, Mason County College Access Network, and the Oceana County Economic Development Alliance. She chairs multiple workforce development committees and co-chairs the Region 4 Offender Success Steering Team.

Motivated by the opportunity to align local businesses with talent development initiatives, Shelly is committed to supporting economic growth and a thriving business community. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family watching football, especially cheering on the Green Bay Packers.

Avery Chaput serves as a Business Analyst at Big Rapids Products, where she supports data analysis, process improvement, project management initiatives, and procurement analysis to help drive efficiency and smart decision-making across the organization. A fourth-generation member of the Big Rapids Products family, Avery has been connected to the business from an early age, gaining hands-on experience through internships in multiple departments.

She earned her degree in Business Management from Montana State University’s Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship in December 2024, building a strong foundation that directly supports her professional work today.

Born and raised in Big Rapids, Avery has long been involved in the community through volunteer-focused organizations and leadership roles. After spending time away, she returned home eager to help shape the city’s future and support efforts that highlight its potential.

Outside of work, Avery enjoys time with family and friends, being outdoors, exploring new restaurants, and returning to Montana to hike, fish, hunt, and visit loved ones.

Therese Alt serves as Chief Nursing Officer for Corewell Health Greenville, Big Rapids, and Reed City Hospitals. She began her nursing career in 1999 as a labor and delivery nurse at Blodgett Hospital and has held progressive nursing leadership roles across Corewell Health. Therese earned her Master of Science in Nursing with an emphasis in Leadership in Health Care Systems and is certified in executive nursing practice through the American Organization for Nursing Leadership.

Therese is passionate about strengthening rural health care, supporting nurses and health care teams, and ensuring patients and families have access to safe, high-quality care close to home. She values the important connection between health care, local business, education, and community partners in building strong, healthy rural communities.

Therese is married and has two children. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors and being involved in the communities she serves.

Kim is the Executive Director at Angels of Action, where she leads marketing and communications, community relations, fundraising events, and program development focused on childhood hunger, literacy, and essential needs.

Before joining Angels of Action, Kim spent nearly 20 years in leadership and management roles at Mecosta County General Hospital and Spectrum Health, gaining experience in patient access, health information, and IT services. This background strengthened her skills in leadership, project management, data-driven decision-making, and cross-department collaboration, skills she now applies to nonprofit programming, fundraising, and community partnerships.

A lifelong resident of the Big Rapids area, Kim is deeply connected to the community, collaborating with local schools, businesses, service organizations, and volunteers across Mecosta and Osceola counties to connect needs with practical solutions. She is motivated by the Chamber’s role in bringing people together to strengthen the local economy and community, offering her nonprofit, healthcare, and fundraising perspective to support partnerships and lasting impact.

Kim finds joy in work that serves others and builds community, valuing the chance to make a difference where it matters most.

Mark Gifford has served the City of Big Rapids for more than 25 years, including nine years as City Manager, bringing steady leadership and a deep understanding of municipal operations and community development. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with organizations that support regional growth, including the Mecosta County Development Corporation, Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce, Big Rapids Downtown Development Authority, Big Rapids Downtown Business Association, and the Big Rapids Brownfield Authority.

A long-time leader in the community, Mark has been actively involved in initiatives that strengthen both the local economy and quality of life. He has also been a member of the Big Rapids Rotary Club since 2003, reflecting his ongoing commitment to service and community engagement.

Mark is driven by the belief that strong partnerships between public entities, businesses, and community organizations are key to long-term success. He sees collaboration as essential to building a vibrant, resilient future for the Big Rapids region.

Tim Haist serves as Superintendent of Big Rapids Public Schools, a role he has held for 15 years. He brings extensive experience in education, having previously served as Big Rapids High School Principal, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director, and as a teacher and varsity coach at Chesaning Union Schools and Carson City-Crystal Schools. In 2016, Tim was honored as Region 3 Superintendent of the Year.

A long-time resident of Big Rapids, Tim and his wife have raised four children in the community, with their eldest attending Ferris State University and their three younger children enrolled in BRPS. Tim has served on numerous local boards, including the Mecosta County Development Corporation, Ferris State University College of Education and College of Business Advisory Boards, the Big Rapids Travel Basketball Board, and the Hemlock Park Improvement Project Leadership Committee. He is also active in coaching youth basketball, football, and baseball.

Motivated by a commitment to community growth, Tim values the Chamber as a platform for supporting opportunities that improve the future for local youth. Outside of work, he enjoys coaching and attending his children’s events.

Tyler Huntey is a fifth-generation Stanwood resident and entrepreneur dedicated to strengthening rural Michigan through business development, early childhood education, and community revitalization. He is the Founder and CEO of Huntey’s Clubhouse, a multi-site early learning organization serving families across Mecosta, Osceola, Isabella, and Montcalm counties. Tyler also leads Early Learning Company, a managed-services platform supporting multiple childcare brands, and Huntey Ventures, a real estate investment and development firm focused on adaptive reuse and downtown revitalization projects.

In addition to his business work, Tyler serves as a Trustee for Mecosta Township and participates in regional economic development initiatives. He is passionate about workforce development, sustainable growth, and helping rural communities remain vibrant places to live, work, and raise families.

Tyler lives in Mecosta County with his wife, Alexis, and their two sons.

Jennifer Faris Jones is Executive Director of the Mecosta County Convention & Visitors Bureau, leading regional tourism development, community partnerships, and promotion of Mecosta County and the surrounding region. She brings extensive hospitality experience, including managing a privately owned biker campground and the City of Scottville’s municipal campgrounds, and holds a bachelor’s degree in business with a focus on accounting and human resources from Ferris State University and Baker College.

A lifelong Michigander, Jennifer grew up in Hersey and Chase, graduated from Reed City, and raised her children in Big Rapids. She has a long history of community service, volunteering as a firefighter, supporting 4-H and Girl Scouts, and serving in leadership roles with the Reed City Chamber, Big Rapids Regional Chamber, and Rotary.

Jennifer is passionate about creating a region where future generations choose to stay, grow, and thrive, and she works closely with local and regional organizations to strengthen partnerships and economic vitality.

Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys motorcycles, kayaking, camping, and live music, often attending local events and festivals to support the community she loves.

Patrick Tiedt is a Community Affairs Manager for Consumers Energy, serving Mecosta, Lake, Missaukee, Osceola, and Wexford Counties. In this role, he ensures that local residents and businesses receive the hometown service Consumers Energy strives to provide. Patrick brings a strong background in public service, having served as Chief of Staff for State Senators Curtis S. VanderWall and Darwin L. Booher, as well as experience in banking. He is also a 2004 graduate of the Michigan Political Leadership Program and has shared his expertise on rural issues as a program presenter.

Deeply connected to the region, Patrick has served nearly 25 years on the Central Michigan Mental Health Facilities Board, currently as chair, and participates on economic development boards across four counties. He is also chair of the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce Board and a member of the Michigan Works! West Central Board.

Patrick is motivated by the opportunity to strengthen communities and support local innovation and economic growth through the Chamber. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling and researching his family history.