Your Voice for Business

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.

Meet Our Government Affairs Committee

Mark Lemoine,
Chair, Chamber Board
Arthur Havlicek,
Chamber President
Al Pscholka,
Chair, Gov't Affairs Cmte
Eleanor Reece,
Vice Chair, Gov't Affairs Cmte
Marcy Simpson
Alan Jeffries
Chris Mason
Christine VanLandingham
Matt Derby
Dr. Jim Gendernalik, DO

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.”

Jayme Bednarski
Owner, Full Circle Cafe

We are the “Voice for Business”

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

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Bridgman CGA