A new partnership-oriented organization officially announced its launch today under the name Big Rapids Regional Chamber.

The organization represents the post-merger of the former Mecosta County Development Corporation and the Mecosta County Chamber of Commerce.

The chamber’s goal is to amplify the region’s voice, energize the local economy, strengthen community leadership, unify the region’s priorities and accelerate community progress.

“The Big Rapids Regional Chamber is not just a plan — it’s a movement to unify our priorities and work together to shape our future,” said Tyler Schuberg, owner of Schuberg Insurance Agency. “Our partners are deeply committed to helping the Big Rapids region thrive across every sector — from business and education to healthcare and infrastructure.”

The chamber will focus on four core areas:

• Advocacy and Influence

  • Representing the interests of investors and the broader community at local, state and national levels, the chamber will ensure policies and regulations support a healthy business environment and economic advancement.

• Economic Growth

  • Driving business attraction, retention and support for entrepreneurship to build a resilient and diversified local economy.

• Community Engagement and Leadership

  • Leading initiatives to enhance infrastructure, improve educational outcomes and elevate overall quality of life while empowering the next generation of local leaders.

• Collaborative Partnerships

  • Fostering connections among businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations to spark innovation, align resources and maximize regional impact.

Notable partners with the new chamber include Big Rapids Public Schools, the city of Big Rapids, Consumers Energy, Corewell Health, Ferris State University and Michigan Works! West Central.

“This is a model for how regional communities can lead through collaboration,” said Patrick Tiedt, community affairs manager at Consumers Energy. “Thanks to the vision and investment of our partners, we’re building a stronger future for every resident and business in Mecosta County.”

The chamber’s board of directors includes:

• Arlene Anderson-Vincent, natural resource manager, Ice Mountain

• Avery Chaput, president, Big Rapids Products

• Drew Dostal, market president, Corewell Health

• Kim Easler, executive director, Angels of Action

• Dan Eichinger, vice president for government and community relations, Ferris State University

• Mark Gifford, city manager, city of Big Rapids

• Tim Haist, superintendent, Big Rapids Public Schools

• Tyler Huntey, president and CEO, Huntey’s Clubhouse

• Shelly Keene, executive director, Michigan Works! West Central

• Chad Nastoff, vice president, Horizon Bank

• Matt Schneider, owner, Schneider Electric LLC

• Tyler Schuberg, owner, Schuberg Insurance Agency

• Patrick Tiedt, community affairs manager, Consumers Energy

The board has 13 members, but a chamber president and CEO has not been selected. The position is open for applications here: CEO/PRESIDENT APPLICATION.

According to a board member, the chamber will have an office space at the Michigan Works! West Central building on Northland Drive. Despite interest in intially joining the merger, the Mecosta County Visitor's Bureau chose to remain as an independent organization.

The Big Rapids Regional Chamber is seeking additional stakeholders—businesses, nonprofits and community leaders—to engage. Ways to participate include joining committees, sponsoring initiatives or participating in programs.

For more information, contact Tyler Schuberg at tyler@schubergagency.com.