• Bill Kerr, President

• Lisa Bascom, Secretary

• Ryan Beal, Treasurer

• Cindy Hubbell, Executive Director

• BJ Andonian, Past President

• Mark Cornell, Director

• Amanda Day, Director

William (Bill) F. Kerr II, President
Education Committee
"I am a lifelong resident of the Brooklyn/Irish Hills Area, a graduate of Columbia Central and Eastern Michigan University. I have worked for Flagstar since 2000, and have been the manager of the Brooklyn location since 2002. I am also the Chairman of the Village of Brooklyn Planning Commission, and a member of the Brooklyn Kiwanis.

"Flagstar offers a full line of banking products for consumers & businesses, as well as a variety of consumer loans ranging from automobile to boat, home equity to home improvement. Flagstar is a leader in home lending, delivering home loans through a nationwide network of retail offices and wholesale agents, as well as online through Flagstar.com and via a toll-free phone number. Flagstar also is active in the commercial real estate market and currently lends in 20 states. Flagstar was chartered in 1987 and opened the Brooklyn office in 1995."

Lisa Bascom, Secretary
Brooklyn Products International is a family-owned business and has been manufacturing foam products worldwide since 1951. "I am thrilled to be on the board. I love our 'little' town and hope to make a difference in the economic development of it.

"Foam is our specialty. From kitchen scrubbers to applicator pads, and from packaging to custom orders. "Our motto is and always will be, 'DO THE RIGHT THING', for our customers, employees and community. I live by this in every aspect of our business."

US 223 Inland Marine
17250 US 223
Addison, MI 49220
(517) 547-BOAT
fun@GetOnTheLake.com
www.GetOnTheLake.com

Columbia Township Fire Dept
8500 Jefferson Rd
Brooklyn, MI 49230
(517) 592-8654

Ryan Beal, Treasurer
Community Development Committee Chairperson
"I was born and raised in Jackson, Michigan. After a great public education at Jackson High School, and four years at Michigan State University, I moved back to my hometown in 1998. I began dating Clarklake native Anna VanAtta, Manager and Estimator for M-R Builder, in November of 1999, and I was fortunate enough to win her hand in marriage just two months later.

I have always been a bit of a dreamer, and when I was presented with an opportunity to become a firefighter for Columbia Township in 2004, it was a childhood dream come true. I love the fire service, and I intend to continue serving the CTFD for as long as they’ll have me.

This community is a wellspring of creative genius and entrepreneurial spirit. After a couple years as a chamber member with my insurance business, a bit of that spirit must of rubbed off, and I finally worked up the nerve to follow-up on another long time dream in September of 2009, when I started US 223 Inland Marine. I truly love the boat business. Whether it’s getting a customer’s boat repair completed in time for 4th of July fireworks on the lake, or providing a rental boat to a family staying in the Irish Hills for their vacation, our business is to help people have a good time.

I joined the Brooklyn-Irish Hills Chamber in order to get to know the people and businesses in my hometown. I am so grateful for the relationships that I have developed as a result of my participation, and being elected to the Board of Directors in 2012 was an honor. I hope my influence in the direction of this organization will be good for our members and our community.

This section is called, "Know Your Board Members", and by now, if you’re still reading, you can probably tell I can be a bit long winded – I’ll try to wrap it up: I want to leave a mark. I want my children to know that I did some things to try and help people. If those that know me are a little better for it, that is all I can ever hope for. God bless us all."

Cindy Hubbell, Executive Director
"The Brooklyn-Irish Hills Chamber of Commerce is the sponsor and host of some of the great events and promotions in the area, including the Independence Day Fireworks, All-Sports Spectacular and Taste of the Irish Hills. More importantly, the Chamber is how the local businesses and professionals can band together to be a strong force in community development and business retention in the area. Now more than ever, being a chamber member is so important. The Brooklyn-Irish Hills Chamber is a positive force in our local economy. From having a voice in the community development to networking opportunities, there are many membership benefits. We offer great group advertising rates, low cost (free) seminars and so much more. I encourage all local businesses and professionals to become a member of the Brooklyn-Irish Hills Chamber of Commerce, and be a part of our exciting future."

B.J. Andonian, Past President
For the past thirty years Jerry's Pub and Restaurant has been home to some of the Irish Hills finest food, libations, live music and of course, Jerry. Jerry's Pub & Restaurant is located on the south shore of scenic Wamplers Lake, Eat. Drink. Rock. Roll...Come to the Lake.

"I have been a proud member of the board for three years, our business has been part of the chamber for almost as long as we’ve been established. We pride ourselves in promoting Brooklyn and the Irish Hills in a positive light. For those who come in for a quiet dinner overlooking Wamplers Lake or partake in Nascar weekend festivities, everyone has a good time at Jerry’s.”

Mark Cornell, Director
Info coming soon.

Amanda Day, Director
Heart of the Lakes Marketing and Tourism
Michigan International Speedway has called the Brooklyn-Irish Hills area home for the past 40 years. The two-mile racetrack hosts two NASCAR Sprint Cup Series dates each summer with stars such as Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. entertaining fans every June and August. With over 150,000 fans in attendance, MIS hosts the largest single-day paid-admission sporting event in the state and also generates more than $400 million in total economic activity, with more than $260 million of that in direct economic benefit for the state.

"I’ve been a part of the chamber and the marketing council for over a year now and I am happy to be a part of this community. To contribute to the area in which you live and work only makes it a better place to live and work.."

Brad Denning, Director
All Sports Committee Co Chair and Legislative Committee Chairperson
"Hello, I'm Brad Denning and I own the Village Barber Shop. My barber shop is a great place to get a haircut and hang out. You can get the news or find out anything you'd ever want to know about the area. My family is one of the original settlers in the Irish Hills area and I just love this community. The chamber is one of the greatest organization I've belonged to. They really help your business and support the community in all its endeavors. If your thinking about joining our chamber, please do. You could be a part of something great!"

Annette Dupuie, Director
All Sports Committee Co-Chairperson and Under 30 Connection Co-Chairperson
Info coming soon.

Keith Kotsch, Director
Fireworks Committee Chairperson
Information coming soon.

Dave Turk, Director
Golf Outing
"The Brooklyn Irish Hills Chamber of Commerce unifies the public spirit of our community and directs it into useful and constructive channels. We have businesses at stake in the community which can be best safeguarded by working with others through the Chamber of Commerce to protect and advance 'All Businesses.' It is my desire and goal to make this happen!"

Walton Agency - "For nearly 60 years the Walton Agency has provided a full spectrum of insurance services for families and businesses. We’re here to provide you with more than a quote. Whether you’re seeking coverage for your automobile, your home, your business or your life, we will provide the information you need to make a educated decision. Our goal is to help you find the right insurance coverage at the right price. May we help you! “Protecting Your Tomorrows” one day at a time."

Todd Wanty, Director
Area Promotion Committee Co-Chairperson and Golf Outing
"Fairway Sales is a Manufacturer’s Representative Agency that I started in 2009. I have over 30 years of experience in Quality Management and Sales, after spending those years working in the Automotive Supplier world. I now represent Schaeffer Oil, a manufacturer of Specialized Lubrication Products; US-223 Inland Marine near Devils Lake, a full service marina including new and used boats and boat rentals; and Mastermind Consulting Network, a network of business consultants that will help your Business reach its Peak Performance.

"I grew up in Saline, MI and had always wanted to live near the lakes in the Irish Hills, after having a family cottage at Vineyard Lake since the early 30’s. I moved to Lake Columbia in 1981 and have never wanted to leave. The Irish Hills area has so much to offer, and I feel blessed to be able to live here and raise my children here.

"Joining the Chamber in 2009 and being asked to join the board has been so rewarding for me, to become more involved in our community. It has allowed me to get to know so many more of our community members, and develop business and personal friendships along the way, as well. The Chamber is such a great Ambassador for our Beautiful Area."

Jan Sickle-Witte, Director
Area Promotion Committee Co-Chairperson
Jan Sickle-Witte is the owner of Jan’s Dance Connection in Brooklyn and Dearborn Heights. In July 2004, Jan’s Dance Connection of Brooklyn opened the doors of their dance studio to the Brooklyn community. Owner Jan Witte had successfully operated Jan’s Dance Connection in Dearborn Heights for over twenty years and had relocated to the Irish Hills area. She has been teaching dance for over thirty years, and is a member of various professional dance teacher organizations.

Owner Jan Witte joined the Brooklyn Irish Hills Chamber in 2004 and is also a member of the Brooklyn Kiwanis Club. She is a member of Dance Masters of America, Dance Masters of Michigan and Cecchetti Council of America. She is also the director of the Irish Hills’ Junior Miss Scholarship Program. Jan has volunteered countless hours to community service activities in the Brooklyn area and is proud to be a business member in Irish Hills.

Jan is married to Stewart Witte and has a son, Kyle.

"Being a member of the chamber has helped my business succeed and I have met many business owners who are really involved in making our community a better place to live and work."

Morgan Graves
Chairperson, Ambassador Executive Committee
"On a whim in 2006 after my graduation from Eastern Michigan University, my husband and I took a Sunday drive, fell in love with a house at Clarklake, put an offer on it and moved in two months later.

In 2007 I began working at Brooklyn Eye Center and immediately got involved with the Chamber of Commerce by attending Business After Hours events. These networking opportunities have allowed me to make great business and personal connections.

In 2008 I was asked to become an ambassador for the Chamber and this year I was asked to serve as chairperson for the Executive Ambassador Committee. I truly believe that the Irish Hills is one of the most fabulous places in this country and I feel proud to serve in any way I can."

Hideaway Cove Log Cabins
11560 Breyman Highway
Tipton, Michigan 49287
Phone: (517) 431-2594
Visit website

ERA Readon Realty
250 S. Main St. Suite 2
Brooklyn Mi 49230
Phone: (517) 592-8326
Visit website

Sherry Johanson
Vice Chairperson, Ambassador Executive Committee
"I am from the Devils Lake area and moved back into the Irish Hills in 2002 when I purchased Hideaway Cove Log Cabins on Evans Lake with my business partner.  I am also a real estate agent for ERA Reardon Realty in Brooklyn and am a member of "Oh These Irish Hills," a nonprofit group which I helped start. We have done so much to help in the community to make it a better place.

I have been very fortunate and successful in both of my businesses. I am committed to providing quality and caring service to my customers. I have two married children and two adorable grandchildren and wonderful family and friends that I cherish.

In 2011 I received the President's Award from Brooklyn-Irish Hills Chamber of Commerce in appreciation for outstanding efforts in promoting the chamber and community. I feel every business should support each other to be successful and I do all I can for the community. I am an ambassador vice chairperson for the Chamber and find it very rewarding."

Kay Roumell
Secretary, Ambassador Executive Committee
"I was born in Wyandotte, Michigan and made my first trip to Wamplers Lake before I was one year old. My grandmother had a cottage on the South Shore of Wamplers Lake and then gave each of her children a lot. My family built a cottage and I spent every summer there until I graduated from St. Patrick’s High School.

I attended Eastern Michigan University. I earned a B.S. degree, a Masters in Reading, and a Specialist degree in Educational Leadership.

I taught First Grade at Wyandotte Catholic, Third Grade at Gibraltar Public Schools, and then came to Onsted Community Schools. I was a second grade Teacher, Director of Title One and Principal of the Elementary School. After I retired, I went back to Onsted Community Schools as the Curriculum Director and NCA Coordinator for five years.

Then I worked as an office assistant for my son, James, who had a mortgage company. I worked there for about five years until he closed the business. While working at Pinnacle Mortgage, I became a member of Oh These Irish Hills! and have been active in the 501 C 3 nonprofit organization as Secretary and Vice-President. Our mission is to restore and revitalize the Irish Hills. We are trying to accomplish this by beautifying the area and creating events that bring people to the Irish Hills.

Since OTIH is also a member of the Chamber, I am active in the Chamber as a member of the Heart of the Lakes Marketing & Tourism Committee and Secretary for the Ambassadors Executive Committee.

I have been married to Chuck Roumell since 1971. I have a son, James Roumell, a daughter-in-law, Tracy and they have two sons, Chad and Adam. I have a daughter, Erin Brys, who has a daughter, Caitlin and a son, Jonathan.

My time is split between my family, friends and volunteering for the organizations that make a difference."

Sheila Plentz
Trustee, Ambassador Executive Committee
"I have 30 years experience in the Banking/Finance industry and am a retired Cambridge Twp Firefighter/Medical 1st Responder. After 24 years in local Finance/Banking Institutions I opened SP Recovery Services 8 years ago to collect for local businesses helping them get their money back so that they are able to keep operating and keep their employees employed.

I reside on Sand Lake with my two dogs, Connor and Camron. I am a huge dog lover and am involved in many rescue groups finding dogs homes and saving them from being put down."