Plainwell Chamber of Commerce / Allegan County Regional Chamber of Commerce of Plainwell
History
In February of 1989 the Plainwell Chamber of Commerce incorporated under section 501 ( c ) (3) to “Promote the civic, economic and social welfare of the people of Plainwell, Michigan area”. The Chamber operated for 17 years as a civic non-profit organization, promoting many wonderful public events such as the Island City Festival.
In February 1996 there was a major shift from a civic non-profit to a 501 ( c ) (6) commerce-based non-profit “promoting private enterprise and relationships among its Members and between business and the community”.
In June of 2011 the final paperwork was accepted by the State of Michigan to allow the Chamber to continue after a brief time of dormancy. It was decided by the new Board of Directors to maintain the 501 ( c ) (6) status established in February 1996 and continue to promote private enterprise and relationships among its Members. In an age of Internet information exchange, a wider base of Members could be brought together to benefit the Community of Plainwell and the county in which it resides. The Allegan County Regional Chamber of Commerce of Plainwell (ACRCC) was established as a result.
Mission and Values
The newly formed ACRCC updated the prior mission to the current goal of promoting “the common interest of business trade through sharing of information and by promoting education and networking opportunities for Chamber Members and prospective Chamber Members”. Three areas of value were identified: Information, Education and Networking.
Information: To provide our Members with useful, current information that assists in everyday operations, tax preparations, starting up a new business and salvaging struggling businesses.
Education: To provide our Members with access to lectures and workshops, brainstorming sessions with other Members and additional opportunities--such as invitations to other area Chambers’ lectures and workshops.
Networking: To provide our Members with connections to exchange information and ideas with other Members and publication of a regional business directory.