Your Voice for Business
Meet our Chamber's Government Affairs Committee
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 possess either a background in government or experience with governmental relations and advocacy outreach. Together, they are your "Voice for Business" in Southwest Michigan.
Marcy Simpson
Executive Director
Alan Jeffries
Chris Mason
Owner Watermark Brewing Co.
Christine VanLandingham
Executive Director
Matt Derby
Attorney
Kotz Sangster
Dr. Jim Gendernalik, DO
Physician Family Physicians
of St. Joseph, PC
Experience Matters
Leverage our public policy experience to your benefit
We are fortunate to have multiple committee members with local, state, and federal public policy experience working on our behalf.
Mark Lemoine
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.
Arthur Havlicek
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.
Al Pscholka
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.”
