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Harbor Springs Chamber Swears In New Executive Committee, Reports Strong Year and Events Lineup
Summary
At its annual meeting, the Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce announced a new executive committee, presented financials showing a healthy reserve, and previewed 2026 events while reminding members to submit conflict-of-interest forms.
The Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce on Thursday held its annual meeting virtually, swearing in a new executive committee, presenting year-end financial and membership summaries and outlining the 2026 events calendar.
The meeting opened with a motion to accept the annual minutes and a second was recorded. Troubleshooting of audio issues delayed substantive remarks early in the session.
Rebecca and other year-in-review presenters told members the chamber finished the most recent year "in a really good spot," with digital engagement up and several signature events proceeding into 2026. "We ended the year super strong and with 762 members," said Nikki, a participating member who reported on membership growth and outreach initiatives. The treasurer presented a year-to-date production summary through Nov. 30 and stated the organization was "ending the year solvent with a healthy reserve in our savings account." Exact vote counts on the minutes motion were not specified in the transcript.
The board recognized outgoing members, including Brandy Mester and Lane Warner, and announced the incoming executive committee: Doug Brown as president, Barb Bear as vice chair and Greg Bennett as treasurer. Members present were sworn in with an oath to uphold the chamber bylaws and to faithfully serve in their elected positions.
Presenters highlighted recent staffing changes: a new chief financial officer started Jan. 5 and a new director at Blackbird Educational Center has joined local education leadership. A school-affiliated speaker (Scott) briefed the meeting on district safety protocols, snow-day parameters and career and technical education programs, and noted that the school board's superintendent search will proceed with consultant John Sculton and first-round interviews in early February.
Organizers reviewed last year’s events and plans for 2026: the art fair (scheduled July 22), the 30th Taste of Harbor, Harbor Stars awards and Night of the Arts were all noted as key community draw events. Presenters said some events faced vendor and attendance challenges but that planners have implemented changes they expect will improve outcomes next summer.
Before adjourning, the board reminded members to review and sign the annual conflict-of-interest statement and opened the floor to audience comments. The meeting closed with brief thank-yous and participants signing off.
What’s next: the chamber will proceed with planned 2026 events, the superintendent search will continue with interviews scheduled for February, and staff will finalize the chamber’s complete financial statements for the prior fiscal year.
