Our Chamber has a dedicated Government Affairs committee that represents a microcosm of Berrien County industries including Talent, Manufacturing, Tourism, Housing, Hospitality, Senior Services, Business Law, and Medicine. Each possesses either a background in government or experience with governmental relations and advocacy outreach. Together, they are your “Voice for Business” in Southwest Michigan.
We are fortunate to have multiple committee members with local, state, and federal public policy experience working on our behalf.
Our Board of Directors Chair, Mark Lemoine, began his public policy journey as legislative staff in the state Senate. He went on to have a successful career in Government Affairs for names like Meijer, the Grand Rapids Chamber, and Spectrum Health before purchasing the local Coloma / St. Joseph KOA with his wife, Karla.
Our President & CEO, Arthur Havlicek, began his career as legislative staff in the state House of Representatives. There, he served as a Caucus Advisor under two different Speakers and as Legislative Director for Northern Berrien Co. where he shepherded seven bills and two $1.5 billion higher education budgets into law.
Our Government Affairs Committee Chair, Al Pscholka, served three-terms as state Representative, chaired the powerful House appropriations committee and later served as State Budget Director under Gov. Snyder. He has also held township office and worked as District Director for Congressman Fred Upton.
“I have watched you all champion for local businesses in various ways, and i’m excited to call myself a member. During a time when so many of us didn’t even know what to do next, you all led the way.”
Our Chamber, through its full-time staff and dedicated Government Affairs team, is continuously working to represent our members, defend free enterprise, and promote pro-business policies at the local, state, and national levels of government.
See Advovavy Priorities
