About Us

Goals               Board of Directors              Staff

The Branch Area Chamber of Commerce:
Accredited in 2004 by the US Chamber of Commerce, we are an organization representing a cross-section of more than 600 retailers, manufacturers and service providers. The Branch County Area Chamber of Commerce serves as the voice of area business and as a resource to our members. 

Our Mission:
The Branch County Area Chamber of Commerce's mission is to improve the business environment and quality of life in the Branch County area.  We will do this through promotion, development, support, coordination and influence of activities and organizations in the communities we serve. 

Guiding Principles - The principles which will guide us in all we do are:

Our Goals for the Future:

Goal:  Build Strategic Alliances The Chamber will work with other Chambers and organizations to share ideas, provide opportunities to learn from one another.
	Goal:  Grow Chamber Membership 800 by 2008 with a 95% Retention Rate.Grow the Chamber steadily based on the success we have already had, keeping the focus on maintaining membership rather than just adding members.
Goal:  Build Financial Reserves The Chamber should have one full year of operating expenses in reserve.  The Board recognizes the organization needs to be financially viable to continue to serve our members and communities during economic downturns.
Goal: Increased Advocacy The Chamber will serve as an informational and educational resource on issues that effect our membership and communities.
Goal: Increase Member Benefits & Services Providing service to members will be the Chamber's priority.
Goal:  Support Area Economic Development Initiatives Support all economic development initiatives in the area in any way possible.

Our Board of Directors:

Board members set broad policies and goals, and give the President free reign to implement them in the day-to-day management of the Chamber.  Board members approve an annual budget that ensures it can meet the Chamber’s financial needs.  In addition, the board monitors the overall financial health of the Chamber by reviewing the financial reports monthly. 

Board members act as voting members with full authority and responsibility to develop policies, procedures and regulations for the operation of the Branch County Area Chamber of Commerce; to monitor the financial health, programs and overall performance; and to provide the President with the resources to meet the needs of the community and organization.

Our Staff:

Hillary Eley, President
Hillary Eley is the President and Chief Operating Officer of the Chamber.  She has been with the organization for over nine years.  Hillary holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Michigan University and worked in advertising and marketing prior to joining the Chamber staff.  Send Hillary an e-mail:  Hillary's E-Mail

Joy Clawson, Membership Director
Joy Clawson has served as the Chamber's Membership Director for over five years.  She joined the Chamber staff as a Customer Service Representative over eight years ago, and was so talented in serving the membership and convincing people to join, she was promoted during a staff reorganization! Contact Joy:  Joy's E-Mail

Brianna Poradzisz, Office Coordinator
Brianna Poradzisz is the newest addition to the Chamber staff, joining us in January of 2005.  Brianna maintains and supervises all general office functions, including communications such as the Chamber newsletter.  Brianna is also the friendly voice you hear on the telephone when calling the Chamber.  E-Mail Brianna here:  Brianna's E-Mail