Kelly Wawsczyk Named to Lead Fremont Chamber

White Cloud native brings wealth of leadership experience to the FACC

The Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce announces the hiring of Kelly Wawsczyk as Executive Director of the organization.
Wawsczyk, who is from White Cloud, previously held the Executive Director position at the Mecosta County Economic Development office. She has also served in leadership positions at the Headway Coalition and Legends Ranch.
“ The FACC board is very excited to hire Kelly with her wealth of knowledge and experience,” said Matt Mellema, Board President 

We caught up with a busy Ms. Wawsczyk to pose a few questions.

What led to your interest in the Chamber job?
I am a person who thrives on networking and building relationships. Fremont offers many great opportunities for our families, and I see the potential to add a little flair to the strong foundation that has been created. As a friend once said, "Reach as high as you can... then stretch a little higher!"
If you ask my family and friends, they'll tell you I'm a sucker for a theme party! I truly enjoy creating lasting experiences, no matter what the occasion.

What do you bring to the table as ED?   
As the Chamber Executive Director, I bring a wealth of skills and qualities that can significantly benefit the organization and its members. I excel at looking at opportunities from an outside-the-box perspective to find creative solutions and value my ability to build lasting relationships through networking and effective communication with individuals both personally and professionally.  

What do you see as the main purpose of the Chamber?
A Chamber of Commerce is to support and promote local businesses and economic development within a community. We can accomplish this goal by networking and collaborating to help make a bigger impact. 

What are the strengths of the FACC?
I feel the strength of the FACC is the foundation that has been put in place over the years. There are stable businesses and events that make Fremont what it is today with locals and visitors. Building off the assets we already have in place will set us up for a promising 2025!

What challenges does the Chamber face?
Change and growth are always a bit of a challenge. Listening to others' ideas and experiences are key when decision making. A unique challenge is our seasonal weather. We need to capture the moments as the seasons change to show our community and visitors what a hidden gem Fremont and Newaygo County is!

There are 2 other chambers locally, River Country and Hesperia. Do you see the three working together on some projects? What might those look like? 
The relationships between chambers are in place and they have collaborated on projects in the past. I hope to bring a new set of eyes. To look at what we haven't tried yet and what we can do bigger and better to make a larger impact across the county. Thanks to my seat on the Newaygo County Tourism Council, I‘m aware of  county wide events and changes taking place.There is always room for more communication and networking opportunities!

C of C’s need member engagement to be successful. What would be your plan to encourage more involvement among members?
I believe in the power of community and the impact of collective efforts. My approach is centered around creating a positive environment where businesses can thrive, and community members feel supported and connected. To assess the current state of the Chamber, I will start by reviewing the success of previous efforts. Additionally, I plan to create a community survey to identify any gaps and ensure we’re addressing the needs of our members.For the long term, we’ll work towards sustainable growth and forge strategic partnerships to drive lasting success. 

Do you see more events on the horizon for the Chamber? 
MAN, I HOPE SO! Little Nashville meets Fremont lol!  I am a firm believer in making any occasion a themed event—just ask my family and friends! We can start small and see where the interest lies. One of my personal passions that I hope to bring to Fremont is creating opportunities for outdoor recreational events and incorporating more music-themed activities. 

As a new or existing business owner, why should I join or rejoin the FACC? 
My past roles have equipped me with a diverse toolbox that I am eager to share with Chamber members. I aim to provide valuable data, market research, and resources to help businesses make informed decisions. Another key asset I bring is advocacy for our community, focusing on attracting investment and fostering economic growth. Understanding economic trends and knowing where to turn for support are areas I plan to enhance, engaging both existing and potential members. Over the first few months, I will embark on a listening tour to meet our businesses where they are and learn about their stories and individual needs. Recognizing that each business has a unique path, I believe in creating a space for sharing ideas and feedback. This collaborative approach will enable us to grow and support one another more effectively.