Sault chamber director looks forward to challenge

Allan Case, who took over the job as Chamber of Commerce Director of Sault Ste. Marie late last year, is getting to know business owners in the area and is also getting an idea of the challenges that lie ahead. He says he sees a sluggish economy and the spoils of e-commerce as two challenges facing the Soo and businesses in general. His job, as he sees it, is to look at the bigger picture and see what he can do for existing businesses in the community.

"One of my first items of business is to go out and meet with area businesses and organizations," says Case. "We're home to lots of talented groups and individuals and I want to harness those talents through collaboration and partnerships that will help increase awareness of businesses and organizations."     

Case is a Charlevoix native who graduated with a degree in English from Lake Superior State University and a master's degree in education from Michigan State University. Aside from graduating from LSSU, he previously worked there for nine years as an assistant to the Director of Admissions. Case was well regarded at LSSU and took on various tasks at the university, including event planner, marketing and publications coordinator--and also managed and developed both staff and student activities. His colleagues described him as an "effective leader" and "true team player" with "diverse interests and a strong people-focused sense of service."

I talked with Case at length in the very modern and inviting Chamber of Commerce building conspicuously located on the Soo's business spur. He has an engaging manner of conversation which should serve him well as the new director. In fact, his first task, he says, is to sit down and talk with the members and see what their concerns are and how he can help them. He says he'd like to see businesses that can do so, give back to the community.

"I'd like to harness the resources of all members and see larger members invest back into the community and lead by example," says Case.     

Case is aware of the assets in the community, including tourism and also a steady stream of traffic coming over from Canada. In regards to Canadian traffic, he'd like to find a way to ensure these shoppers find smaller businesses in the community.

The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce, now in its 123rd year, is solely supported by membership dues from its members, plus any money collected from fundraisers. This is a different situation from downtown development authorities, which are usually included as a line item in a city's budget.

The Soo now has a new chamber of commerce director as well as a new downtown development authority director. So what can an infusion of fresh blood do for the oldest city in the Upper Peninsula? Only time will tell.

Neil Moran is a freelance copywriter. Visit his website at www.neilmoran.com.