Southwest Michigan’s business community showed up in full force for the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber’s Business Recognition Breakfast with over 600 of our local business leaders in attendance. Presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Corewell Health, and Honor Credit Union, the event celebrated the achievements and growth of the region’s business community.
The morning’s highlight was a return keynote from Drew Dudley, an internationally acclaimed TED Talk speaker and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Drew’s inspiring and insightful message set the tone for a day focused on leadership and recognition. Arthur Havlicek, the President & CEO of the Regional Chamber, then took the stage to reflect on the Chamber’s accomplishments in 2024 and expressed optimism about achieving even greater impact and growth in the years to come.
The Chamber also honored the following eight businesses, organizations, and individuals with awards, celebrating their outstanding contributions and impact:
BEST NEW BUSINESS AWARD:
THE LAB. MARTIAL ARTS & FITNESS
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD:
VILLWOCKS OUTDOOR LIVING
ECONOMIC IMPACT AWARD:
HONOR CREDIT UNION
NON-PROFIT EXCELLENCE AWARD:
HARBOR COUNTRY MISSION
COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD:
BERRIEN COUNTY: SILVER BEACH PARK PLAYGROUND PROJECT
RISING STAR AWARD:
SARAH LANCASTER, SOUTH SHORE HEALTH & RACQUET CLUB
THE PAT MOODY AWARD:
MICHELLE HEIT, NEW BUFFALO TOWNSHIP SUPERVISOR
AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR:
LEANNE BROWNFIELD, STURGIS BANK & TRUST
We also welcomed our new board Chair, Olivia Schaul, and Vice Chair, Greta Pearson-Barrons with a ceremonial passing of the gavel.
As the Chamber continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact, the energy and collaboration at this year’s annual meeting made one thing clear: the future of Southwest Michigan’s business community is brighter than ever.
Meet Olivia Schaul
Owner of Starks Family Funeral Homes
NEW SMRC Board Chair
Olivia Schaul has dedicated her career to serving families with compassion and expertise. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology & Sociology from Western Michigan University and an Associate Degree in Mortuary Science from Worsham College. She is also a certified crematory operator and a graduate of the Selected Leadership Academy, where she previously served as chair of Selected Independent Funeral Homes’ Next-Generation group.
Raised in the funeral service industry, Olivia grew up working alongside her father, Tom Starks, and grandfather, Bob Starks. From an early age, she was actively involved in community events, fostering a lifelong commitment to service. Today, she serves on the Board of Directors for Caring Circle Hospice and was recently appointed the Chair of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber of Commerce. She also contributes her time to The Denise Bohn Pink Event, Lory’s Place, and the Chamber’s Young Professionals. Olivia was part of the first graduating class of the Leadership Accelerator and remains active in the National Funeral Directors Association.
Her leadership and dedication have earned her recognition, including being named to Moody on the Market’s “40 Under 40” in 2018 and receiving the Bold Woman of Business award in 2022.
Outside of her work, Olivia enjoys traveling, crafting, and exploring local wineries and breweries. She adores her two dogs, Louise and Bodie, and in October 2021, she married Justin Schaul, co-owner of Watermark Brewing Co.
Meet Greta Pearson-Barrons
Vice President of Pearson Construction Company
NEW SMRC Board Vice Chair
Greta Pearson-Barrons is the Vice President of Pearson Construction Company, a thriving family-owned business operating in Benton Harbor since 1918. She attended Ferris State University and earned her bachelor’s degree in Construction Management. While attending Ferris, Greta was active in many student construction groups and served as President for the construction industry national fraternity, Sigma Lambda Chi. Greta graduated Summa Cum Laude and immediately went to work for the family business. As Vice-President, Greta oversees business operations, runs construction projects, and tries to take part in every element of the family business dedicated to serving Southwest Michigan. Since entering the industry, she has become very passionate about empowering women in the STEM fields, specifically in construction.
Greta continues to preserve the main principles her great-grandfather instilled in the company: people, performance, professionalism, progressive, passion, perseverance, and partnership. Currently, Greta sits on Star Building Systems President Advisory Council, is the Vice Chair of the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber, and is chair of NextGen, SMRC’s local Young Professional Group. She is a strongly focused fourth-generation leader hoping to continue the family business success for another 100+ years.
Outside of work, Greta enjoys nationally competing on the Arabian Horse Association circuit, practicing yoga & Pilates, and spending time with her husband and son on their many adventures.
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