Impact with the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce

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 Impact with the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce shares the stories, voices, and vision behind the businesses, leaders, and organizations shaping Wayne County. Each month, Chamber President/CEO Melissa Vance and Director of Events Lynnette Davis sit down with local members and volunteers to discuss the work, passion, and partnerships driving progress in our community. From small business success stories to insights from our committees, every episode explores how collaboration creates real impact. 

Episodes

  1. May 26

    Course Impact | Blair Shadday & Bart Wolfe

    What goes into running a successful country club and how do you continue evolving while still creating a welcoming experience for members and guests? In this episode of Impact: The Chamber Podcast, we sit down with the golf pro, Blair Shadday and general manager, Bart Wolfe of Forest Hills Country Club to talk about the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the club running smoothly and the role it plays within the Wayne County community. We discuss recent upgrades and improvements being made to both the course and clubhouse, the importance of staff longevity and strong team culture, and the variety of experiences and amenities Forest Hills offers as a country club. The conversation also dives into what it takes to successfully coordinate large golf outings and events, including community tournaments like the Chamber Golf Classic, and how attention to detail helps create a seamless experience for participants. From hospitality and operations to community connection and recreation, this episode highlights the many moving pieces that come together to make Forest Hills a staple in the community. Tune in to hear more about leadership, teamwork, and the impact of creating memorable experiences both on and off the course. Subscribe to catch new episodes each month! Learn more about the Chamber: https://www.wcareachamber.org/

    22 min

  2. May 6

    Future Impact | Isabella Markward & Katie Alyea

    How do partnerships between education and local businesses create real opportunities for students—and what does that impact look like in action? In this episode of Impact: The Chamber Podcast, we sit down with Isabella Markward, a junior at Northeastern High School, and Katie Alyea, Regional Marketing Manager at 3Rivers Federal Credit Union and Chamber board member, to talk about the Student Future Success (SFS) program and the role businesses play in shaping the next generation. We dive into how SFS is connecting students to real-world experiences, the importance of business involvement in workforce development, and how organizations like 3Rivers are making a difference both inside and outside the workplace. We also highlight 3Rivers’ recent feature in our Behind the Business series and what sets them apart as a community-focused organization. From student perspectives to business leadership, this conversation showcases how collaboration is helping build a stronger, more connected Wayne County. Tune in to hear how programs like SFS are creating opportunities, supporting local businesses, and empowering students for the future.

    21 min

  3. Mar 31

    Modern Impact | Alyssa Roberts, Shawntel Baker & Becca Vance

    What does a more modern approach to local business support look like and how is the Chamber evolving to meet those needs? In this episode of Impact: The Chamber Podcast, we sit down with Alyssa Roberts, Director of Membership and Education, along with Becca Vance from Cope Environmental Center to talk about the Chamber’s newly updated Wayne County Cash gift card program and what it means for both businesses and the community. We’re also joined by Shawntel Baker, Director of Employer Engagement, to dive into the Student Future Success (SFS) program and how partnerships like Cope’s are helping connect students to real-world opportunities. From modernizing local spending to building stronger workforce pipelines, this conversation highlights how innovation and collaboration are shaping the future of Wayne County. Tune in to learn how these initiatives support local businesses, empower students, and create a more connected community. Subscribe to catch new episodes each month! Learn more about the Chamber: https://www.wcareachamber.org/

    25 min

  4. Feb 26

    Strategic Impact | AJ Sickmann & Eric & Brad VanVleet

    What does the future of the Chamber look like and how will it impact members in 2026? In this episode of Impact: The Chamber Podcast, we sit down with Board Chair AJ Sickmann and Eric and Brad VanVleet to discuss the vision and strategic priorities shaping the year ahead, along with a new health insurance plan offered exclusively for Chamber members. From leadership planning to practical member benefits, this conversation highlights how strategy and innovation work together to strengthen Wayne County’s business community. Tune in to hear what’s coming next, how it supports local employers, and why forward-thinking leadership matters. Subscribe to catch new episodes each month! Learn more about the Chamber: https://www.wcareachamber.org/

    21 min

  5. Jan 22

    Annual Impact | Jordan Mathews & Teresa Jansing

    What makes the Chamber’s Annual Dinner such a meaningful night for Wayne County? In Annual Impact, an episode of Impact: The Chamber Podcast, we sit down with past award winner and Chamber board member Jordan Mathews and ACEs Committee Chair Teresa Jansing to talk about the purpose and impact behind the Chamber’s signature event. From celebrating leadership and community success to bringing together businesses and partners from across the county, this conversation explores why recognition matters and how the Annual Dinner helps strengthen connections throughout Wayne County. Tune in for their perspectives, experiences, and a behind-the-scenes look at what makes this event so special. Subscribe to catch new episodes each month! Learn more about the Chamber: https://www.wcareachamber.org/

    21 min

  6. 12/23/2025

    Professional Impact | Lisa Dollar & Chelse Leonard

    What happens when emerging leaders and experienced mentors come together? In Episode 3 of Impact: The Chamber Podcast, we sit down with Lisa Dollar and Chelse Leonard to talk about two of the Chamber’s leadership-focused programs, HYPE and WC Leads, from both sides of the experience. From navigating life as a young professional to guiding and mentoring the next generation of leaders, this conversation highlights how connection, growth, and intentional leadership shape a stronger community. Tune in to hear their insights, personal experiences, and why investing in leadership development matters for Wayne County’s future. Subscribe to catch new episodes each month! Learn more about the Chamber: https://www.wcareachamber.org/

    23 min

  7. 11/25/2025

    Local Impact | Susanna Tanner & Alfredo Diamond

    Welcome back to The IMPACT Podcast!  In Episode 2, we sit down with Alfredo Diamond, Chair of our IMPACT Committee, and Susanna Tanner, owner of Susanna Tanner Photography — one of our amazing small business members. In this episode, Susanna shares the story of how she got started in photography, what inspires her work, and the ways she goes above and beyond for her clients. Alfredo jumps in to talk about Shop Small Saturday and our brand-new Shop Small Wayne County bags that local businesses will be giving out this year.  And finally, stick around until the end, because we reveal the theme for this year’s Annual Dinner!

    26 min

  8. 10/27/2025

    IMPACT Episode 1: Instant Impact | Dennis Alejo & Tony Foster

    What happens when leadership and innovation come together? In this first episode of Impact: The Chamber Podcast, Melissa Vance talks with Dennis Alejo of Instant Web Tools and Tony Foster, Chamber Board Chair, about how digital tools, community involvement, and the Chamber’s network create powerful opportunities for local businesses. Tune in to hear their stories, insights, and how partnership fuels progress right here in Wayne County. Subscribe to catch new episodes each month! Learn more about the Chamber: https://www.wcareachamber.org/

    19 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

 Impact with the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce shares the stories, voices, and vision behind the businesses, leaders, and organizations shaping Wayne County. Each month, Chamber President/CEO Melissa Vance and Director of Events Lynnette Davis sit down with local members and volunteers to discuss the work, passion, and partnerships driving progress in our community. From small business success stories to insights from our committees, every episode explores how collaboration creates real impact. 

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