Otsego County Economic Alliance

09/26/2026

Today is the day! See us at 2:00PM at the Vanderbilt Trailhead Park & Corwith Township Hall

09/25/2026

Tomorrow is Vanderbilt Community Connect! Celebrate the start of fall with us, Michigan Works, the Village of Vanderbilt, employers and community members for a day of harvest celebration, connection, job hunting and Chili!

09/25/2026

Congratulations to OCEA partner Treetops Resort as they commence groundbreaking on their real estate development project building 17 new housing units.

This project is a result of hard work and commitment towards a need facing Otsego County. The OCEA is proud to call Treetops Resort a partner and thriving business in Otsego County.

Congratulations.

09/18/2026

If you're a small business or business services agency in Otsego County, don't forget to register for the Vanderbilt Community Connect a business services and job fair hosted in tandem with the annual Fall Harvest Fest & Chili Cookoff.

09/14/2026

The Ga***rd Area Chamber of Commerce, Otsego Community Foundation and Otsego County Economic Alliance are teaming together to introduce Ga***rd Next to bring a space for young leaders to grow, connect and get involved.

Join us tomorrow at Snowbelt Brewing Company 6:00PM for our input event to help shape the future of Ga***rd Next.

08/03/2026

Does your small businesses marketing feel flat? Are you marketing as a reaction to your customers instead of an action towards your customers?

There is still time to register for your free digital marketing audit courtesy of OCEA. We will audit your digital marketing presence, we will advise for correction and we will teach best practices.

Register today at the link below: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/98GdfQh8Z3

07/30/2026

Congratulations Ashley! The Chamber of Commerce will be in good hands under your leadership. We are excited to further our relationship with the Ga***rd Area Chamber of Commerce!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Ga***rd Area Chamber of Commerce Names Ashley Hutchens Executive Director

GA***RD, Mich. — The Ga***rd Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Ashley Hutchens as the organization’s new Executive Director, effective July 2, 2026.

Following a thoughtful leadership transition process, the Board selected Hutchens to lead the Chamber into its next chapter while continuing its commitment to serving the Ga***rd-area business community.

Hutchens has demonstrated exceptional leadership, a deep commitment to the Chamber’s mission, and a genuine passion for the Ga***rd community. The Board is confident she will continue building strong relationships, supporting Chamber members, and leading the organization with vision and enthusiasm.

A longtime Ga***rd resident and passionate advocate for the community, Hutchens has been a member of the Chamber team for the past three years. During her tenure, she has played an integral role in membership engagement, marketing, event coordination, business advocacy, and community partnerships.

Her passion for creating meaningful opportunities for local businesses and making a positive impact throughout the region has been evident in every aspect of her work.

“This community has given so much to me throughout my life, and it is an incredible honor to now serve it in this capacity,” Hutchens said. “I believe in our businesses, our people, and the future of Ga***rd, and I am excited to help lead the Chamber into its next chapter.”

As part of the leadership transition, Paul Gunderson will continue serving the Chamber in a new capacity. Rather than leaving the organization, Gunderson will transition into the role of Legacy Director, allowing the Chamber to continue benefiting from his experience and institutional knowledge.

The organization is incredibly grateful for Gunderson’s six years of leadership as Executive Director and for his continued commitment to the Chamber and the Ga***rd community.

This transition reflects the Chamber’s commitment to both continuity and growth. Hutchens will lead the organization’s strategic initiatives, member engagement, and community partnerships. In his role as Legacy Director, Gunderson will support the Chamber’s continued success by sharing his institutional knowledge and assisting with organizational operations.

The Ga***rd Area Chamber of Commerce is well-positioned to continue advancing its mission of supporting local businesses, fostering economic growth, and strengthening the business climate throughout the Ga***rd region.

The Chamber remains dedicated to serving as the voice of business while creating opportunities that strengthen the local economy and celebrate the vibrant community that makes Ga***rd such a wonderful place to live, work, and do business.

The Ga***rd Area Chamber of Commerce remains steadfastly committed to its mission: “Building Business. Building Community.”

Media Contact
Ashley Hutchens
Executive Director
Ga***rd Area Chamber of Commerce
(989) 732-6333

07/22/2026

It's already been 1-week since the 2026 OCEA Annual Golf Outing. Thank you to our partners, teams, sponsors, Ga***rd Alpenfest, and Ga***rd Golf Club for a great event.

We are already looking forward to next years event!

07/16/2026

We appreciate your understanding. Please share with friends and family.

Due to poor air quality and an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our guests, volunteers, vendors, and staff, the opening of Alpenfest will be postponed today, July 16, 2026, until 6:00 PM. Please see below for the full schedule update and information.

07/14/2026

Thank you to our 2026 Tee and Flag Sponsors!